Episodes

  • Why Spanish Speakers Say "Ya" 50 Times a Day (And What It Means)

    Why Spanish Speakers Say "Ya" 50 Times a Day (And What It Means)
    Mar 26 2026
    If you've ever listened to a native Spanish speaker for long, you've heard the word "YA" about a thousand times. But what does it actually mean? Is it "now"? Is it "already"? Is it "stop"? The truth is: It's all of them... and more. Today, we're breaking down the "Swiss Army Knife" of Spanish vocabulary. Mastering this one tiny word is the ultimate shortcut to sounding less like a textbook and more like a local. Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/ Get our REAL Intermediate Course: https://www.notesinspanish.com/sp/real-intermediate/
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    8 mins
  • You Already Know the Spanish Subjunctive: Real Subjunctive Wins 1

    You Already Know the Spanish Subjunctive: Real Subjunctive Wins 1
    Mar 17 2026
    Today we look at two expressions Spanish speakers use all the time, simple phrases that reveal one of the key ideas behind the Spanish subjunctive, how emotion is involved!

    To find out when our Super Spanish Subjunctive Challenge is released, join our newsletter here:

    Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/
    Get our REAL Intermediate Course: https://www.notesinspanish.com/sp/real-intermediate/
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    9 mins
  • When You Freeze in Spanish… Say This

    When You Freeze in Spanish… Say This
    Mar 11 2026
    Do you ever freeze when speaking Spanish and need a moment to think? In this episode we talk about muletillas — the small words and phrases Spanish speakers use all the time to buy themselves a little thinking time.They also make you sound much more Spanish, because native speakers use them all the time!

    Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/
    Get our REAL Intermediate Course: https://www.notesinspanish.com/sp/real-intermediate/

    Ben & Marina – Notes in Spanish
    • Teaching real Spanish online since 2006
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    6 mins
  • Spanish Parties Last 7 Hours?! (Real Spanish Conversation)

    Spanish Parties Last 7 Hours?! (Real Spanish Conversation)
    Mar 4 2026
    What are Spanish parties really like? We share a real Spanish conversation about a recent birthday party for our daughter that lasted an incredible seven hours!

    Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/
    Get our REAL Intermediate Course: https://www.notesinspanish.com/sp/real-intermediate/
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    8 mins
  • Good at Reading, Bad at Speaking? Your Spanish Is Out of Balance

    Good at Reading, Bad at Speaking? Your Spanish Is Out of Balance
    Feb 19 2026
    Are you good at reading Spanish but struggle to understand fast speakers or speak confidently? You're not alone — it's very common for different language skills to grow at different speeds.

    Here explain why Spanish skills get out of balance and how to fix it, using a real Spanish conversation and simple, practical strategies to help you strengthen your weakest areas and keep making steady progress.

    Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/
    Get our Courses here: https://www.notesinspanish.com/store-home/
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    11 mins
  • The Day You Stop Translating Spanish in Your Head (It WILL Happen, Here's How)

    The Day You Stop Translating Spanish in Your Head (It WILL Happen, Here's How)
    Feb 12 2026
    Do you still translate Spanish in your head before you speak? You're not alone — and it's completely normal at the intermediate stage. In this video, we explain why it happens, why it's actually a good sign, and how you can move past it.

    Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/
    Get our Courses here: https://www.notesinspanish.com/store-home/
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    8 mins
  • Stop Saying "Hace Mal Tiempo" – Say This Instead

    Stop Saying "Hace Mal Tiempo" – Say This Instead
    Feb 6 2026
    Is it really normal for it to rain this much in Madrid?
    In this video, we reveal the answer in a real Spanish conversation, explore real Spanish weather slang — from chirimiri to día de perros — and give you some much better phrases than just "hace mal tiempo".

    Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/
    Get "The Inner Circle Collection" Course: https://www.notesinspanish.com/sp/the-inner-circle-collection/
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    13 mins
  • Spanish Slang: You Think You Know 'Vale'… But Do You?

    Spanish Slang: You Think You Know 'Vale'… But Do You?
    Feb 3 2026
    'Vale' is one of the most common words in spoken Spanish — and one of the most confusing for learners. You hear it constantly in real conversations, films, and everyday life in Spain, but it rarely means just "OK"....

    Free '15 Spanish Slang Phrases Every Intermediate Learner Must Know!' report: https://www.notesinspanish.com/op/fluent/
    Get our Courses here: https://www.notesinspanish.com/store-home/
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    14 mins