The lighthouse at Formentor, Mallorca

The background shows sidewalk tiles - "rajoles" - that pave the sidewalks throughout Barcelona. They were designed by architect Puig i Cadafalch for the entryway of a home. Since 1915, they have been used by the city to pave sidewalks, and have become emblematic of the city. One of the city's most famous chocolatiers, Enric Rovira, produces chocolate bars in the shape and design of these tiles.

Spain Vocabulary

Every country has some unique vocabulary. Some of the words used in Spain are different from those you may have learned in your Spanish class or heard in Latin American countries. Here are a few useful examples.


Spain
English
Latin America
patata
potato
papa
autobús, bus, autocar
bus
camión, micro
piso
apartment
apartamento
suelo
floor
piso
parking
garage
aparcamiento
chuche
candy
dulce
ordenador
computer
computadora
coger (el bus)
to catch (the bus)
tomar (el camión)
coche
car
auto, carro
melocotón
peach
durazno
zumo
juice
jugo
enfadarse
to anger
enojarse
ticket / tiquet
receipt
recibo
billete
ticket
boleto
echar de menos
to miss (someone)
extrañar
chapa
(missionary) plaque
placa
cerilla
match
fósforo
regresar
chaqueta
frutos secos
alubias
marchar(se)
cristal
to return
jacket
nuts
beans
to leave
glass
volver
saco
nueces
frijoles
salir
vidrio

You will often hear the word "vale" in conversation. It is somewhat equivalent to "OK" and is one of the most frequently heard words in Spain. It is unique to Spain - when you hear someone say "vale" you know they have lived in Spain!

Do you have some more examples? Post a comment on the most recent blog post, and we´ll keep this list expanding!