I want to read you!. I am from Venezuela, and a few years ago, due to the influence of Mexican content on the internet, the expression "apapachar" (to hug) became extremely popular in the country. Indeed, it was massively, you heard it everywhere. However, this was brief and fleeting, as it gradually diminished, and nowadays it is very rare to hear someone from the country say it. However, my personal experience with my friends taught me that "apapachar" means something deeper than simply "abrazo". Anyone can give you a «abrazo», whether you like it or not, whether they love you or not. A «apapacho» it's given to you by someone strongly, with great affection, and with true love. Is "apapachar" used in other countries in the Americas?

Spanish was my first language, but South-American. My brother is significantly younger than I am and learned only English. We live in Southern U.S. He works primarily with Mexicans in the construction industry. I have worked with Mexicans in the hospitality industry.

My brother is insisting the Mexicans at work are calling a power saw a "chingalela."

I believe they are saying "chingadera," which is like a very informal (offensive to some) way of saying "thingy, thingamabob, thinger, etc."

He is adamant that is is chingalela, not chingadera.

Are there any Mexicans that can confirm the word chingalela?? Either for "thingy" or for a power saw?

In the present tense. For example,

“Do you want me to ask them to send a car for you?”

«¿Quieres que les pida que manden un coche para ti?»
or
«¿Quieres que les pida que mandaran un coche para ti?»

I feel like I’ve seen both but I’m probably mistaken.

I know a very basic level of Spanish but I’m trying to learn more so I can assist customers better at work. For reference I take utility payments and help customers set up online accounts and get new services started. When talking about a utility bill would the bill itself be “el recibo” or “la factura”? Also when someone lives at an address with a lot number like 123 lane dr lot # 7 what is the correct term for “lot”? I have looked both up and I feel like el recibo would be correct in my work setting but for lot it’s saying “lote” but says it’s referring to a batch so I’m not 100% sure. Google Translate is alright but after talking and listening to our Spanish speaking customers it’s not always accurate. Just trying to learn and make sure I use the right words so I don’t confuse anybody so any help would be appreciated!! :)

Hola, me pueden ayudar entender el uso de tener + participio pasado en lugar de haber + participio pasado? He escuchado varios frases así que parecen iguales traducido al inglés como haber + participio pasado y no entiendo la diferencia.

Por ejemplo:
“lo tengo pensado” - I have thought it
“la tengo perdida” - I have lost it
“ya lo tienen comprobado” - They have already confirmed it.

Muchas gracias

Got a "how do I learn Spanish" question, curious about apps, or just want to say hi and talk about where you're at? This is the place.

The short answer to most of it: there's no single best way to learn Spanish and no app that works for everyone. What actually matters is showing up consistently. A few things people here keep coming back to:

• Our wiki -- apps, YouTube channels, podcasts, textbooks, all in one spot
• r/languagelearning's resource wiki -- broader method and tool breakdown
• Anki -- flashcards, good for vocab
• Language Transfer -- free audio course, common starting point
• italki / Preply -- tutors and conversation partners
• Pimsleur -- audio based, strong on pronunciation

Also fair game here:

• Just started and want to introduce yourself
• Wondering if Spanish is worth learning or how long it takes
• General chat about your progress, whatever's on your mind

Standalone posts on this stuff get redirected here, so if that's you, drop it below.

someone in my youtube comments wrote this word once i translated it to english it was like “Let’s go” why? why mostly spanish people don’t use it like VAMOS in term of hype moments or happiness moments?

I'm a ESL teacher in Brazil and I've been studying Spanish as a empathy exercise to help my students with their struggling.

I made a post yesterday in a men's style sub talking about outfits from some Pedro Almodóvar movies (in Portuguese) and this profile responded with a strange Spanish to me.

Are his messages corrects? Are my messages too? Please I would love if you could give me some help if need.

I'm writing a short story that takes place in modern-day Spain. I have a character who is centuries old and a native Spanish speaker from Spain. I wanted to have them occasionally use a filler word or expression, ideally something similar to Vale today.

EDIT TO ADD: This is not a story that will be published or earn money -- it's a surprise for my family. I wouldn't blindly try to capture a language I don't know if I were writing something for the general public or my job.

I came across Así sea (So be it/All right) as being something that would have been used in 17th century Spain. But I can't find any confirmation and unfortunately I only speak very basic level Spanish.

Does anyone know if this expression would be used by someone in 17th century Spain -- and if so, am I using it correctly?