Not long ago, I posted an article where I emphasized the value of good input when you’re learning a foreign language.
It’s a pity that we sometimes waste opportunities to improve and grow our active vocabulary.
Now, good is a relative concept. It may sometimes be learning the right thing to say in a certain context.
I’m sure most of you know the word lejos, which would serve the purpose of expressing where something is. Together with the verb quedar we could say:
- Luján queda lejos.
- Junín queda muy lejos.
Distance is a sensitive issue. Apparently, long distances make us angry and make us want to curse. I guess that’s why we’ve come up with three very frequently heard expressions:
- Queda en la loma del orto.
- Queda en la loma del culo.
- Queda en la concha de la lora.
None of these three options are pretentious. On the contrary, if used in the wrong setting, they may sound exagerated. But there’s beauty in conveying what we feel accurately.
Also, you probably know the word cerca.
- Caballito queda bastante cerca de Once.
But when something is really close, we say:
- Es acá nomás.
Forget about all you knew about estar for expressing location. Ser takes over.
That’s all for today, friends.
Have a good one!
You might also want to read these articles:
- An interesting take on VOSEOTake a look at this voseo map that represents where in the American content VOS carries a social meaning.
- Bienvenido, BienvenidaWhat is a blog if not a humble space of communion? Come in, my sister, my brother.
- Lessons learned from “I taught an octopus play piano”The internet is beautiful. Some people take crazy ideas to action… and surprise everyone else with the outcome.
- Learn Argentinian Spanish like you shouldIf you really want to master Argentinian Spanish, let me set up your learning path for success.
- Malas PalabrasAn overview of how AI handled the transcript of one of my YouTube videos.
- Bancar and AguantarDo you know the difference between these two verbs? Then you’d better read this post!