Continue reading “Other ways to say: advantages and disadvantages”
Category: Vocabulary
When is the word “local” a false friend for Spanish speakers?
The word “local” can be a false friend for Spanish speakers in the following context:
Example: “Es un local amplio y luminoso”
In this context, “local” in Spanish doesn’t mean “local” in English. It refers to a space or premises, usually a commercial space.
- “The premises are bright and spacious.”
- “It’s a spacious, well-lit space.”
We could also translate the word “local” as “venue” if we are referring to a place where a performance will be held.
Example: “Van a tocar en un local cerca del hotel.”
- “They’re going to play at a venue near the hotel.”
So, what are the meanings of “local” in English?
The word “local” in English has several meanings depending on context.
Relating to a particular area or neighbourhood
- “The local bakery is just around the corner.”
A person who lives in a particular area
-
“The locals are very friendly.”
A nearby pub (especially in UK English)
-
“Let’s grab a drink at our local.” → short for “local pub”
Conclusion: What “local” does not mean in English
It doesn’t mean a physical space or business premises, as in “un local comercial”. For that, we’d say:
-
commercial space
-
premises
- venue (for events/music)
Thanks for reading! 
Continue reading “When is the word “local” a false friend for Spanish speakers?”
Learn 4 idioms with Moon
If you are a moon lover, you will enjoy learning these expressions. Don’t wait too long before you start using them.
Pronunciation of 18 English words with foreign origin
I always find it amusing when I have to pronounce loan words from Spanish the English way. For example chorizo /tʃɔːˈriːzəʊ/. Let’s have a look at some English words of foreign origin.
Continue reading “Pronunciation of 18 English words with foreign origin”
One word, lots of meanings
A question for Spanish speakers:
Can you think of a verb in English that has all these meanings?
correr (cortinas)
llegar (conclusión)
atraer (atención)
provocar (reacción)
arrastrar (trineo)
sacar (dinero del cajero)
empatar (un partido)
dibujar
Botanic or botanical? (More on suffixes: -ic and -ical)
Do you find the use of these suffixes confusing?
That makes two of us.
Not long ago, I published two posts dealing with some of the differences between historic/historical and classic/classical. In this post, I’ll deal with other common words ending with the suffixes -ic and -ical.
Botanic and botanical
Magic and magical
Comic and comical
Electric and electrical
Economic and economical Continue reading “Botanic or botanical? (More on suffixes: -ic and -ical)”
ADJECTIVE COLLOCATIONS WITH THE WORD: EFFECT
Learning collocations makes our communication more vibrant and descriptive. It enlivens it. Let’s have a look at 6 adjectives that collocate with the word effect.
Calming effect
Calming effect“At the end of a stressful week,
the absolute silence in the snowed forest
had a calming effect on her.”
(also soothing effect)
Continue reading “ADJECTIVE COLLOCATIONS WITH THE WORD: EFFECT”
Common mistakes in First-B2 (Part 2)
Can you spot the mistakes?
X “He explained us why he didn’t agree with the proposal.”
Clue: What preposition would you need after explained?
Key: explain to somebody.
√ “He explained to us why he didn’t agree with the proposal.”