Common English Mistakes Spanish Speakers Make from Prep to Pro

Embarking on the journey of learning a new language can be thrilling, particularly when contrasting the distinct rules of English and Spanish. Spanish speakers venturing into English frequently encounter several typical challenges along the way.

We’ve enlisted the insights of experts Sylvia Johnson and Carrie Lillie to highlight some prevalent mistakes and, crucially, how to steer clear of them. By recognizing and addressing these errors, you’ll boost your confidence and enhance your communication skills in professional environments.

Are you struggling with phrases like “cuánto tiempo llevas” or trying to understand the nuances of “la gente”? Our experts are here to help! Prepare to elevate your English skills from beginner to advanced with our guidance!

Our LingualNeeds experts

Sylvia Johnson

With more than two decades of expertise in language and culture methodology, Sylvia is a seasoned professional in training and education. Throughout her career, she has successfully led teams of up to 250 pedagogical developers and trainers across various European countries. Sylvia also holds a Master’s degree in Digital Technology for Language Learning, showcasing her commitment to integrating innovative solutions in education.

Carrie Lillie

Carrie brings over two decades of experience living and working in Spain, where she has honed her skills as an English teacher for various Spanish-speaking learners. Her deep understanding of the common challenges and mistakes these students face makes her an invaluable resource in language education. With a Master’s degree in Teaching and Learning, Carrie is well-equipped to guide her students on their journey to mastering English.

Listen to the full podcast here: 

Common mistakes in English

Sylvia: We’re going to talk about some very common mistakes that Spanish speakers make in English.

We’re going to focus on two different phrases.

1. We’re going to talk a little bit about ‘cuanto tiempo llevas’ . That’s really quite tricky.
2. Exploring the translation of “la gente” and the common challenges associated with incorporating it into phrases.

Carrie: Absolutely! Recognizing these common mistakes is an excellent strategy for honing your skills. It equips you to navigate meetings and the business landscape with greater professionalism.

Sylvia: Absolutely.

Cuanto tiempo llevas

Carrie: So the first one that you mentioned was the “llevo X tiempo” eccistiempo y “cuanto tiempo llevas”.

Sylvia: It’s a difficult one to translate, right?

Carrie: Absolutely! One of the challenges lies in translating from Spanish to English, as the two languages employ different verb tenses.

So in Spanish, in “llevo X tiempo”,” llevo vivo 20 anos aquíi”.  (I have lived here for 20 years)

In Spanish, we often use the present simple tense to describe current situations. However, in English, we employ the ‘present perfect’ tense for scenarios that began in the past but remain relevant today. This distinction helps convey the ongoing nature of certain truths in English.

Sylvia: When discussing your work experience, such as “How long have you been working?” or “How long have you worked in this industry?” you should use the present perfect tense. It’s the perfect way to convey your ongoing experience!

Carrie: Exactly.

Sylvia: Have you ever wondered about the correct way to express your work experience? Should you say, “I have worked here for three years” or “I have worked here since three years”? Let’s clarify which one is right!

Carrie: The usage of “since” and “for” depends on what you’re referring to and the context that follows. I like to use gestures to help illustrate this. Think of “since” as a specific point in time, like “since 1990” or “since last week.” In contrast, “for” indicates a duration, representing a length of time, as in “I’ve lived here for three years” or “we’ve been talking for 20 minutes.”

Sylvia: You can express your time living in a place by saying, “I have lived here for three years” or “I have lived here since 2021.” Both phrases convey your duration of residence effectively.

La gente

Sure! A common mistake I often hear in English is the phrase, “Yes, and the people, it’s…” What’s wrong with this expression? Let’s explore it further.

Carrie: Honestly, I’ve made that mistake myself. I used to say “la gente son,” and it always earned me some puzzled looks from others.

One of the key steps to improvement is recognizing the mistakes you make. Once you identify them, actively practice and drill these areas to enhance your skills.

In English, we encounter a unique situation with singular and plural forms. For instance, “one person” is singular, but when it comes to an irregular plural, we say “two people” or “three people.” This distinction means that when we refer to a plural subject, we must also use a plural verb to maintain grammatical consistency.

To enhance your fluency, focus on phrases like “people are,” “people go,” or “people live.” Practicing these expressions will help you internalize them, allowing you to use them effortlessly without having to pause and think about which verb to choose next.

Sylvia: I love that tip! Can you explain the concept of learning vocabulary in chunks? Why is it crucial to move beyond studying isolated words?

Carrie: I believe this is important because it allows you to focus on communication without getting bogged down by grammar rules. You don’t have to worry about verb tenses or whether to use singular or plural forms; everything flows together naturally.

Sylvia: Yeah, you learn it together. Absolutely. And that’s the repetition, right?

False friends

Sylvia: Let’s talk about false friends.

Carrie: The word “actually” is a classic example of a false friend; it doesn’t translate to “actualmente,” as many might think. Instead, “actually” means “de hecho,” while “actualmente” translates to “currently” or “in our presence.” Can you think of any other false friends like this?

Sylvia: One of my favorite stories involves a student of mine who had quite the attitude, much like I do today. I asked him, “Hey, Pablo, are you feeling alright?” to which he replied, “I am constipated!” I was taken aback by his honesty, only to realize he was translating from Spanish, where “constipado” actually means having a cold. It was a humorous mix-up that I’ll never forget!

Carrie: Okay, so why are we laughing, too

Sylvia: So, yes. So, in English, constipated means “estreñido(a)”. So very, very different. And what about some others?

Carrie: There’s an interesting distinction between the words “embarrassed” in English and “embarazada” in Spanish. While “embarrassed” refers to feeling self-conscious or ashamed, “embarazada” specifically means “pregnant,” typically used for women. So, while the two words sound alike, their meanings are quite different!

Sylvia: So if I said I’m embarrassed, what am I saying? Can you translate that for me?

Carrie: I would translate that ‘avergonzada’ or ‘avergonzado’

Sylvia: Absolutely! Remember, making mistakes is a natural part of the language learning journey. Embracing these slip-ups can lead to some entertaining stories that you’ll cherish and share for years to come!

Why is pronunciation so important, Carrie?

Carrie: Absolutely, effective communication hinges on good pronunciation. In fact, a statistic from Cambridge University reveals that clear pronunciation can improve understanding by as much as 60%.

Sylvia: That’s a lot.

Carrie: Absolutely! It’s crucial for us to be understood, especially in the workplace. When colleagues grasp our perspectives and strengths, it paves the way for greater success in our professional journeys.

Sylvia: Great! If you find yourself having difficulty with a specific sound, what tips would you share with our listeners to help them improve?

Carrie: Focus on the challenges we often face. Take the time to practice these areas and collaborate with your tutor to enhance your professionalism in communication.

Pronunciation

Sylvia: Okay, perfect. Can you give us an example of a particular pronunciation difficulty that Spanish speakers might have?

Carrie: Absolutely! One aspect I enjoy exploring with Spanish speakers is the distinction between the “v” and “b” sounds in English.

In Spanish, the sounds of ‘v’ and ‘b’ are quite similar, often making it hard to distinguish between them in pronunciation. However, in English, the difference is much more pronounced, allowing listeners to easily tell ‘v’ apart from ‘b’.

When preparing to create this specific sound, I often envision teeth—much like those of a vampire. For instance, when you pronounce the “v” sound, your upper teeth gently touch your lower lip. Think of it as saying words like “vampire,” “investor,” and “very.” In each case, those visible teeth play a key role in producing the sound!

When you pronounce a “b” sound, consider how babies do it—after all, they don’t have teeth! This makes their “b” sound similar to the way it’s pronounced in Spanish. Your lips come together, concealing your teeth. So, think of words like “baby,” “business,” and “bring the ball” to practice this sound effectively.

So the difference between a v and a b in English is about the teeth.

Sylvia: That’s fantastic! Do you have any final pieces of advice? Considering the concepts of b and v, what steps should you take moving forward?

Carrie: The goal is to recognize the areas where you struggle and actively work on them. By preparing in advance, you can present yourself professionally when it matters most. Take the time to understand your challenges, and practice to overcome them.

Collaborate with your tutor for focused support. Tutors specialize in practice and drilling exercises, making them more effective than friends when it comes to enhancing your skills. Their expertise can significantly boost your learning experience.

Sylvia: Okay, perfect. And also perhaps recording yourself, that can be really helpful too.

To wrap up

Drawing from the expertise of our language specialists, Sylvia Johnson and Carrie Lillie, we’ve addressed challenging concepts such as accurately translating “cuánto tiempo llevas” and properly using “la gente.”

Embrace mistakes as a vital part of your language-learning journey! Every error you make is a stepping stone toward progress. Understanding your mistakes is crucial for growth, from preparation to proficiency. A personalized one-on-one English tutor can significantly enhance your learning experience, guiding you to improve effectively and efficiently.