Phrases in Spanish for Natural Conversations

For many students, reaching an intermediate level in Spanish means being closer to fluency. However, to communicate naturally, certain key skills are needed. Speaking Spanish is like opening a door to a new culture and way of thinking, which is why the path to learning it is easier if you have a guide. So here is a guide to 5 keys to sound natural and master this language. 

Throughout this article, we will address the elements necessary to improve your Spanish conversations, so that you achieve a more authentic and fluent command.

You will learn several intermediate Spanish phrases!

Five Keys to Speaking Naturally and Mastering Spanish

1. Expand your Vocabulary

An extensive vocabulary is essential for any student looking to improve his or her Spanish skills. It is recommended to learn words that are used in different contexts. That is why learning thematic vocabulary is essential. 

Here is a list of 40 words that you can use in different situations:

2. Master Grammatical Structures

Mastering solid grammatical structures is crucial for communication. Without them, it is difficult to express complex ideas or to understand native speakers. In this context, it is essential to manage verb tenses and modes very well, here we explain a little about it and we leave some intermediate Spanish sentences as an example.

Verb Tenses and Modes

• Present Indicative: Used to talk about habitual or current actions.

Example: Yo como una manzana todos los días.

• Past Perfect Simple: To describe actions completed in the past.

Example: Ayer fui al mercado.

• Past Imperfect: To describe habitual or ongoing actions in the past.

Example: Cuando era niño, jugaba en el parque.

• Future Simple: To express actions that will happen in the future.

Example: Mañana estudiaré para el examen.

• Conditional Simple: To express hypothetical or conditional actions.

Example: Si tuviera dinero, viajaría por el mundo.

• Subjunctive: To express desires, doubts, recommendations, emotions, and hypothetical situations.

Example: Espero que vengas a la fiesta.

3. Improve Listening Comprehension and Pronunciation

Understanding others and being understood is a vital step in communication. Therefore, special attention should be paid to listening comprehension and pronunciation. Do you know how you can train your ear in a fun way? We share with you a list of resources to improve your listening comprehension.

Spanish Podcasts:

• “Coffee Break Spanish": offers lessons at different levels and varied topics.
• “Notes in Spanish": Provides conversations in Spanish on interesting topics.

Audiobooks:

• Audible: Offers a wide selection of audiobooks in Spanish that you can listen to anywhere.
• Google Play Books: Also has Spanish audiobooks available for purchase or loan.

Music in Spanish:

• Spotify and YouTube: Create playlists with Spanish music and follow the lyrics as you listen.
• Lyrics Training: Lets you practice listening comprehension with songs, showing lyrics to complete as you listen.

Videos and Movies:

• Netflix: Offers a variety of series and movies in Spanish, many with Spanish and English subtitles.
• YouTube: Look for channels that offer educational and conversational videos in Spanish.

Through these you can listen to intermediate Spanish expressions and become familiar with the pronunciation and accent of Spanish speakers.

4. Develop Fluency and Coherence

To maintain a conversation without interruptions, fluency is essential. We recommend using logical connectors and paraphrasing when necessary. Connectors are necessary to enhance each sentence in intermediate Spanish. Here is a list of the most commonly used connectors in Spanish:

Addition Connectors

• Y: Me gusta leer y escribir.
• Además: Estudia mucho, además, trabaja por las tardes.
• También: Ella es muy inteligente y también simpática.

Contrast Connectors

• Pero: Quería ir, pero no pude.
• Sin embargo: Es caro, sin embargo, vale la pena.
• Aunque: Aunque llueva, saldré a correr.

Connectors of Cause

• Porque: Estoy aquí porque me invitaste.
• Debido a: Se canceló el vuelo debido a la tormenta.
• Ya que: No vine, ya que no me avisaron.

Consequence Connectors

• Por lo tanto: Estudió mucho, por lo tanto, aprobó.
• Así que: Está cansado, así que se fue a dormir.
• Por eso: Es muy tarde, por eso me voy.

Exemplification Connectors

• Por ejemplo: Me gustan los deportes, por ejemplo, el fútbol.
• Es decir: Necesito dinero, es decir, un préstamo.
• Como: Hay frutas tropicales, como el mango.

Concluding Connector

• En resumen: En resumen, todo salió bien.
• Finalmente: Finalmente, llegó la hora de irnos.
• En conclusión: En conclusión, debemos mejorar.

5. Broaden Your Cultural Knowledge: Connect Beyond Words

Knowledge of Hispanic culture is an essential complement. Learn about customs and cultural expressions. Many of the phrases in Intermediate Spanish are directly linked to the cultural context. In addition, there are many expressions in Intermediate Spanish that you will find amusing and interesting.

• “Estar en las nubes”

Translation: To be in the clouds.

Meaning: Refers to someone who is distracted or daydreaming.

Example: No escuchó lo que dije porque estaba en las nubes.

• “Poner los cuernos”

Translation: To cheat on someone (literally To put the horns on someone).

Meaning: To be unfaithful to one's partner.

Example: Descubrió que su novio le estaba poniendo los cuernos.

• “A otro perro con ese hueso” 

Translation: Tell that to someone else (literally To another dog with that bone).

Meaning: Not to believe in something you are being told, to ask not to be deceived.

Example: Dices que no viste nada, pero a otro perro con ese hueso.

This was just a taste of the vast world of Spanish.

Every word you learn is a step closer to fluency. So keep practicing, and remember that this road is full of opportunities to grow and improve. We hope this guide to intermediate Spanish phrases has helped you. Train with WorldsAcross to learn many more, we will be with you every step of the way, offering support and resources to help you reach your Spanish learning goals.