Let’s face it. Some Spanish language patterns are tricky to use when you are a beginner at Spanish.
Unfortunately, those tricky ones are usually the first ones in the textbooks.
Textbooks start with the hardest sentences. And they have done it for so long that nobody thinks to question it.
That’s a disaster, because it leaves most people feeling lost, confused and frustrated with trying to learn the language.
Afortunadamente (Fortunately), there are patterns in Spanish that make it easy to speak immediately.
Here is an example:
In Spanish, to say you just did something you say “acabo de” plus a verb. For example:
Acabo de comer.
I just ate.
Acabo de hablar con mi amiga María.
I just spoke with my friend Maria.
Acabo de visitar Madrid en mayo.
I just visited Madrid in May.
Once you know the pattern, you can use it with any verb you know. See if you can work these out.
1) Acabo de visitar España.
2) Acabo de preparar un café.
3) Acabo de celebrar el día de la independencia.
By the way, this pattern is one of 25 that come naturally to English speakers.
Until Nov 16, you can try the Spanish Genius for 28 days for just $1. It has you speaking Spanish with these patterns quickly and easily.
Plus, it gives you simple ways to glue the Spanish phrases together, so they flow freely from your mouth.
Here are the answers to the quiz above.
1) I just visited Spain.
2) I just prepared a coffee.
3) I just celebrated Independence Day.
By starting with easily acquired speaking patterns like these, anyone can become conversational in Spanish.
Saludos,
Marcus Santamaria
P.S. Acabo de dar una clase de español.
I just gave a Spanish class.
Speak Spanish from $19.95 – only until October 30
Acabo de ofrecer una oportunidad maravillosa.
I just offered a marvelous opportunity.
Acabo de terminar este articulo.
I just finished this article.
I am 72 and purchased the $10.99 deal and also the video. If I can do this anyone can. I am doing so well that I’m surprised at myself!
Thank you Senor Marcus
I coached many students older than you are. You’re a spring chicken. Looking forward to hearing about your success.
I have already purchased this book and it was excellent.
Tthanks
Acabo de comprar “Speaking Spanish for $10.66” ahora.
Ok Marcos excelente your english very good
Is the word Acabo used on the spanish mainland ,in Benidorm?
Hi Marcos, could not get the translation of Acabo on my system ? Peter
Muchas gracias 🙂
Acabo de apprender algo pienso
Well done to your teaching methodology
Thank you Marcus, I will definitely consider your special offer. You make forming sentences so easy to read and understand. I am in my late sixties and recently retired in Spain. My greatest difficulty is remembering how to form a simple sentence!
Muchas Gracias,
Lesley.
Of all the spanish teachers I met before, you are the best! I will be ordering your courses in the next couple of days.
Thanks
Another useful expression!
Gracias Marcus.
Louise
Hope to learn Spanish through more practicals.
Hope to learn through more practices.
exceptional stuff you are putting out love it
Thanks for the good tip.
Brilliant, you make it so simple.
Senor/Senora,
Queiro aprender Espanol de Senor Marcus Santamaria libre por que no tengo mucho dinero
ahora.
Ayudar me Por favor.
I’m English and I bought some Spanish visual link CD’s from USA – they were OK but each time my computer malfunctioned I had to keep phoning up a place near Utar in America to re-activate my software. Even though I made some progress I really felt embarrassed and in the end gave up! So I might give your lessons a try.
Necissito apprender espanol porque quiero hablerlo con mi familla Mexican y mes amigos en Las Vegas. Espanol no tan difficile , para yo acabo de complir ochenta y seis anos y me cabeza est antiguo y cansado. Quiero hablerlo antes de mi poco nieta. Ella acabo de complir dos anos y ella ya hables espanol !
You can see that I have a lot to learn but I love studying and trying to speak Spanish. Your free lessons are so much fun and they have taught me SO much! I can carry on a little conversation now, but I do not have a chance to speak with many Spanish speakers in my city. Necissito habler con amigas ahora.
I have tried to order your 10.66 special offer but cannot make it go through. Will try again..
Thank you Marcus. You make it so much fun ,and so easy for mi cabeza antiguo.
¡Muchas gracias, Marcus! ¡Fantástico!
I thought that was an excellent way to make a lot of sentences. I get by in Spanish with difficulty but have not heard acabo before.