[2023-11-23] Dive into Spanish: Laugh, Learn, Repeat with this Week's Newsletter!

actor

'Actor' in Spanish and English are cognates, words that have a common etymological origin. In both languages, this term refers to a person, typically a man, who portrays a character in a performance.

Here's how to use it:

• El actor gano un premio Oscar.
• Mi actor favorito es muy versátil.
• El actor se prepara intensivamente para cada papel.

interés

In Spanish, 'interés' is used much as it is in English. It can refer both to a sense of curiosity or concern about something ('Tengo interés en este tema' - 'I have interest in this topic'), as well as the money paid regularly at a particular rate for the use of money lent, or for delaying the repayment of a debt ('El banco cobra un 3% de interés' - 'The bank charges 3% interest').

Here's how to use it:

• Nuestro interés es mejorar la comunidad.
• Tienes un interés obvio en esta área.
• ¿Cuáles son tus intereses?

conducir

The Spanish word for 'drive' is 'conducir'. It is used in similar ways to the English verb 'drive'. It can refer to operating a vehicle, like 'conducir un coche' means 'drive a car'. However, it does not have the metaphorical meanings that 'drive' does in English, like determination or motivation.

Here's how to use it:

• Ellos conducen el autobús.
• María condujo el taxi ayer.
• Nosotros conduciremos a la playa.

rendimiento

The Spanish word 'rendimiento' is used to refer to how well a task is being or has been done. It is often used in contexts related to work, education, athletics, or any activity where the quality, efficiency, or effectiveness of the action is important. Besides, 'rendimiento' is also used when talking about the productivity or output of machines or systems.

Here's how to use it:

• Necesitamos mejorar el rendimiento del equipo.
• El rendimiento académico de Ana es superior.
• Este programa tiene un rendimiento pobre.

subir

The Spanish word 'subir' roughly translates to 'rise' in English. It can also mean climb, or go up, depending on the context. It is often used to describe increase or growth concepts just as rise is used in English, for example 'la temperatura está subiendo' which means the temperature is rising.

Here's how to use it:

• Vamos a subir el volumen de la música
• Debes subir tus notas
• Voy a subir las fotos a las redes sociales

¿Cuántas estrellas tiene el cielo? 50. ¿Por qué? Porque es sin cuenta.