Mi Jardí­n – A Piropo for the Romantics

penis flower

Not everyone's type of garden

We all love piropos (pick-up lines), and, like insults, you can never have too many at your disposal, which is why we are posting yet another one to woo the crowds.

Here’s one for the romantics: La única flor que le falta a mi jardí­n es tu flor de poronga. Now practice saying it a few times. It sounds charming, doesn’t it?

Well, turns out that this pick-up line about flowers and a garden is pretty deceiving. The direction translation is:

The only flower missing from my garden is the flower of your penis

Ahem. We don’t know if this line has ever worked for anyone, but it’s probably not worth trying. Nonetheless, it is well worth a Spanish lesson, so let’s get on with it!


This phrase is interesting for a couple reasons:

1) Did you read the translation? That’s interesting enough.

2) The noun flor (flower) looks as though it should be masculine (doesn’t end in ‘a’), but in fact, it is actually feminine. And,

3) The term le falta might have thrown you off. Don’t worry, it isn’t an easy concept. In order to break down the meaning of le falta, we need to look at the phrase:

“la única flor que le falta a mi jardí­n.”

Faltar means to be lacking something, in this case, the garden is lacking the flower of your penis. Instead of saying ‘the only flower that my garden lacks,’ the word order changes a bit, and the word for ‘lacks’ comes before ‘garden’.

The ‘a‘ in falta a mi jardín is what connects the two parts of the phrase – first the action, and then who (or what) receives the action.


Lastly, the ‘le‘ in le falta refers to the garden – the garden is lacking something. It is an indirect pronoun that can mean him/her/it (or in this case, the garden). The ‘a mi jardín‘ is only there to specify, as there is no prior context to the phrase, but if there had been context, a simple ‘le falta‘ would’ve been just fine.


Whew, exhausted yet? Don’t worry, that was like Spanish Levels I, II, and III in about 5 minutes. With Bueno, entonces…Learn Spanish, you’ll watch David (our protagonist) goes from “Hola” to picking up local girls (or at least, attempting to.)


Become a fan on our Facebook Page and learn cool Spanish phrases – and check out our Youtube Page for clips of our Spanish classes, too!


In Fact now for a limited time you can see the class for yourself. Go here today to get the first 40 minute class free: http://www.generallinguistics.com

by on September 29, 2011 in Mini Lesson, Random

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Some Fun Cartoons with English Translations

These come from humor-argentina.com. See if you can figure out the translations yourself before scrolling down!

Pay attention to the wordplay in this one:

etapas

Marriage tends to evolve like technology:
1: The Cassette (Cinta) Stage; She gets pregnant
2:The CD (Cede) Stage; He gives up everything
3: The DVD (Dividi) Stage; Divide the house, divide the car, divide the savings

pamela

“To think that I knew her when she started!! The time passed and look…She changed her form, every time more stylish…today she is almost totally made of plastic…and every time faster!”
“I’m not sure if he is talking about the 20 years of the computer, or about Pamela Anderson.”

peor“Honey, what is worse? Ignorance or indifference?”
“I don’t know, nor do I care.”

If you want to be able to translate these yourself, check out Bueno, entonces… to learn Spanish fast and in the funnest way possible!

Go today and get the first class free and see if you like it! http://www.generallinguistics.com

by on September 8, 2011 in Random

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Back to School Sale Starts Today!

For all those waiting for the next big Bueno, entonces… Sale- the time has come! You can now get the full 30 class, 5 week course for 45% OFF.

Back to School Sale starts today!

That includes 20 hours of hilarious classes with David and Jimena going through all the necessary grammar, vocabulary and phrases for Spanish Levels I & II.

The Magic Pizarra shows the words in English and Spanish, color coded! You’ll see all the words in both English and Spanish, color coded with road signs so you can take in important grammar concepts such as Gender, Sentence Structure, Verb Tenses and Conjugation easily.

You will also get a lifetime of free support, study guides, quizzes, slang dictionary and all the new support materials coming out soon (such as flashcards!)

The best part? You can take the classes at home in your spare time, or wherever you go on your mobile devices. AND the classes are actually entertaining, so you don’t get bored like you do with other language courses.

So get Bueno, entonces… TODAY and save over $60!

That’s because with our Back To School Sale you can get the entire download for only $79.

Get it here, before this sale finishes on Monday: http://f.generallinguistics.com/back-to-school-sale/

by on September 3, 2011 in Culture/News, Random

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Hump Day Jokes

No one likes hump day, it’s right in the middle of the week and friday night drinks are still a ways away. So here are a couple super cheesy Jokes to get you through the day.


Están tres náufragos solos en una isla desierta y se encuentran una lámpara maravillosa. El genio les dice que les va a conceder un deseo a cada uno.
El primero dice: Deseo irme con mi familia y amigos.
Y se lo concede.
El segundo dice: Deseo irme con mi familia y amigos.
Y se le concede.
El tercero, al ver que se había quedado solo dice: Deseo que mis amigos regresen.

There are three men shipwrecked on a deserted island and they find a magic lamp. A genie appears and tells them that he will grant one wish to each of them.
The first one says: I want to be with my family and friends
The genie grants it.
The second says: I want to be with my family and friends.
The genie grants it.
The third, on seeing that he had been left alone says: I want my friends to return.

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En el consultorio el doctor le dice al marido:
Lo siento señor, pero a su esposa sólo le queda una hora de vida.
A lo que el señor responde:
No se preocupe doctor, ya la he aguantado ocho años…me puedo esperar otro ratito.

In the consultation room the doctor says to a husband:
I’m sorry Mr, but your wife only has one hour to live
The man replied:
Don’t worry doctor, I have been able to take her for 8 years…I can wait a little longer.


Like laughing while learning? Then Bueno, entonces…Learn Spanish I & II is the perfect program for you. A witty, fast and comprehensive course that gets you conversational in Spanish in just five weeks.

Check us out today and you can get the first 40 minute class for free to see if its unique teaching style is right for you: http://www.generallinguistics.com

PLUS: Right now you can receive all the support materials free with the first trial class, including a 68 page study guide, online glossaries and phrases and a Spanish Slang Dictionary.

Get it all today: http://www.generallinguistics.com

by on August 17, 2011 in Random

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It’s Telo Time! An Inside guide to all things Sex Hotel

For those of you who are new to the Telo concept, these are the sex hotels which are unsurprisingly popular throughout Argentina (and under other names in the rest of Latin America).

In fact these hanky panky hot spots aren’t the derelict dives you might imagine. Many of the young and beautiful latinos live with their parents until much older, and therefore there is a constant demand of nice normal folks needing some time away from the rents. And fortunately for them, and their companions, the market has responded with a good supply.

Telo

An example of one of the nicer rooms available..

Now if you haven’t experienced the Telo scene first hand, but think you might be interested at some point, check out below some of the key phrases to get you there, and rules for when you’re there, so you don’t make a faux paux before you oh la la.

Phrases to get you TO the Telo:
Vamos a un lugar más intímo. Let’s go to a more intimate place.
¿Te gustaría pasar una noche conmigo? Would you like to pass the night with me?
¿Entro? I go in? (When you are driving by a Telo)

At Reception:
Buenos noches. Un turno, por favor. Good evening. One shift please.
¿Qué habitación tiene disponible? What room do you have available?
Buenos Días. Good day. (as it’s common for working men to take their secretaries out!)

Know the rules, so you aren’t the fool:
No puede entrar o salir solo. You can enter or leave alone
Tiene que pagar cuando entra. You have to pay when you enter

Get the Right Room:
Por Turno: (una hora, más o menos) Term for an hourly basis
Por Pernocte: (toda la noche) Term for the whole night
**Algunos telos solo permiten pagar por la noche solo desde las 2 de la mañana.
**NB: Some telo only allow you to page for the night from 2am onwards.

Get the extras:
Puede pedir comida/champagne/otras cosa de “sex shop” – pero, se toma de una puerta pequeña.
You can order food/champagne/other things from the “sex shop” – but you get them from a small door (like a dumb waiter- for added privacy).

Examples of good places:
Mejor: http://www.hoteljardines.com.ar/ (muy famoso)
Bueno: http://hotelrampacar.com/
For More: http://www.alberguestransitorios.com/

You definitely want to go to a nice place, and avoid the mistakes that David makes. As he finds out, it can be a deal breaker relationship wise!

David and JimenaIn fact, you can learn a lot from David’s mess ups, both culturally and linguistically. In the Bueno, entonces…Learn Spanish I & II course you’ll follow him along as he adjusts to South America and learns the language from the beautiful Jimena. The course actually has a story line, so you’ll actually want to watch the classes and learn, rather than some of the other more boring alternatives.

PLUS: You’ll see all the words in English and Spanish, color coded, to help you with grammar, verb tenses, gender and sentence structure.

Check out this unique Spanish course today and you can get the first 40 minute class for free: http://www.generallinguistics.com

by on August 12, 2011 in Culture/News, Random

Comments { 1 }

Corta con Tanta Dulzura

Seriously, out with the sweetness. It’s disgusting.

Corta con tanta dulzura.
Corta=Cut it out–>comes from verb cortar (to cut)
con=with
tanta=so much
dulzura.=sweetness.
Ruso
La dulce no quita la sed.
La dulce=The sweet
no quita=doesn’t quench–comes from verb quitar (to take off)
la sed.=(the) thirst.
Arrolla la sed.
Arrolla= Crush
la sed.=(the) thirst.

We’re not so into the lovey dovey couples–we’re more the chase-and-conquer type. And for that, my friend, you need skills.

In the Bueno, entonces… Learn Spanish series, David tries to work his Gringo magic to win over the Argentine ladies, but alas, one must speak Spanish to get beauties of this caliber.

So what are you waiting for? Become a chamuyero in 5 weeks flat! We teach the Spanish you’re dying to know. Try out the Learn Spanish program on your iPhone and go from “Hola” to “Ey hermosa, quieres bailar conmigo?” before you know it.

Check out Bueno, entonces… Learn Spanish I & II today and get the first class for free to see our unique immersion style. http://www.generallinguistics.com

by on August 10, 2011 in Random, Video Clips

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Top 10 Spanish-Language Films

Here are the top 10 Spanish-language films of all time ranked by their U.S. box office receipts – check them out!

Fauno

1. Pan’s Labyrinth (El laberinto del fauno)

2. Like Water for Chocolate (Como agua para chocolate)

3. The Motorcycle Diaries (Diarios de motocicleta)

4. Talk to Her (Hable con ella)

5. All About My Mother (Todo sobre mi madre)

6. Maria Full of Grace (María, llena eres de gracia)

7. Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown (Mujeres … ataque de nervios)

8. The Crime of Padre Amaro (El crimen del padre Amaro)

9. Amores perros

10. Bad education (La mala educación)

Of course this is all supplementary to actually taking some sort of Spanish Class.

Bueno, entonces…Learn Spanish I & II is developed for the iPod, iPhone, Smartphones, laptops, etc. so you can take it with you anywhere – super convenient. A forty minute session per day and you’ll be understanding and speaking native Spanish in five weeks.

Check it out today and see the first class for nada: http://www.generallinguistics.com

by on August 9, 2011 in Random

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Algunos Chistes

These are a bit cheesy, we admit, but they are totally fun to read and you know how we like to make learning as inappropriate as possible.

Remember that if the English sounds a little funny, it is because for the most part these were translated literally so you get an idea for the meaning of each word.

“Doctor, me siento mal todo me da vueltas, ademas me arde el corazon.”
- Mire Sra., en primer lugar no soy doctor, soy cantinero, Usted no esta enferma esta borracha y en tercer lugar no le arde el corazon, tiene una teta en el cenicero.

“Doctor, I feel sick.  Everything is spinning and moreover, my heart burns.”
- Look Miss, in the first place, I am not a doctor, I’m a bartender. You’re not sick, you are drunk, and in the third place, your heart does not burn, you have a breast in the ashtray.

Un hombre ejecutivo destinado temporalmente en Paris por negocios, recibe una carta de su novia desde Chile. La carta decia lo siguiente:

A business man, on a business trip to Paris receives a letter from his girlfriend in Chile. The Letter said the following:

Querido Alejandro:
Ya no puedo continuar con esta relacion. La distancia que nos separa es demasiado grande. Tengo que admitir que te he sido infiel diez veces desde que te fuiste y creo que ni tu ni yo nos merecemos esto, lo siento. Por favor devuelveme la foto que te envie.
Con amor.
Mari­a

Dear Alejandro:
I can not continue our relationship. The distance that separates us is too large. I have to admit that I have been unfaithful 10 times since you left and I believe that neither you or I deserve this. I am sorry. Please return the picture that I sent you.
With Love,
Maria

El hombre, muy herido, le pidio a todos sus companeros de trabajo que le regalaran fotos de sus novias, hermanas, amigas, tias, primas, etc. Junto con la foto de Maria, incluyo todas esas otras fotos que habia recolectado de sus amigos. Habi­a 57 fotos en el sobre y una nota que deci­a:

The man, very hurt, asked all of his friends from work to give him pictures of their girlfriends, sisters, friends, aunts, cousins…etc. Together with the picture of Maria, he included all of the pictures that he collected from his friends. There were 57 in total, and and a note that said:

Maria, perdoname, pero no puedo recordar quien eres.
Por favor, busca tu foto en el paquete y devuelveme el resto.

Maria, please forgive me but I can’t remember who you are. Please search through the packet for your picture and send the rest back.

David Laughing

Llega una mujer a un bar completamente desnuda.
Entonces se sienta y la chica llama al mesero para decirle que le traiga un vino.
El mesero la queda mirando durante un buen rato, la chica lo queda mirando y le dice:
- ¿Que nunca has visto a una chica desnuda?
El mesero le responde:
- Si solamente estoy viendo de donde va a sacar el dinero

A woman walks into a bar, completely naked
she takes a seat and she calls the waiter to ask him to bring a cup of wine
The waiter stays staring for a while, the girl stares back and says;
“Have you never seen a naked girl?”
The waiter responds:
“Yeah, I’m just waiting to see where you are going to take your money from.”

See how quick and painless that was? Bueno, entonces… is the most effective, entertaining Spanish learning software on the market–and our user community is growing rapidly because of it. Join us on our Learn Spanish Facebook Page!

Want to watch the first Bueno, entonces… class for Free? Check us out here: http://www.generallinguistics.com

Click here to order the 6-DVD set or Instant Download and learn Spanish today for just $147!

by on April 21, 2011 in Random, Uncategorized

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What’s a Piropo, you ask?

Piropo technically means compliment in Spanish, but it is typically used for the kind of compliments that are shouted by construction workers to chicas walking by, or whispered drunkenly in dance clubs in the wee hours of the morning. Argentines have taken piropos to an art form (later we’ll talk about chamuyeros/bullshitters).
Sweet blackberry lips
Our piropo of the day is: Sos tan dulce, que solo con mirarte engordo.

Which is pretty tame by Argentine standards. What it means is “You are so sweet, I get fat just looking at you.” You sort of have to imagine it being said by Vince Vaugn. It’s kind of interesting from a learning Spanish perspective for two reasons:

1. “Sos” is the first person familiar of the verb ser/to be as it is used mainly in Argentina and the Southern Cone. In Mexico or Spain you would use “eres” in this context.

2. It shows how flexible Spanish is with sentence structure. The literal translation would be:

“You are so sweet, that just by looking at you I get fat.“

Anyway, I think funny (or vulgar) expressions are helpful in learning – or at least in getting things to stick in your head. So for our giveaway this week:

CONTEST!

Post your favorite piropo (compliment or pickup line) in Spanish to our Facebook page here: http://on.fb.me/ModelPickUp

The best one (funniest, most creative, most outrageous – as selected by Bueno, entonces… Facebook Fans aka the one with the most “LIKES”) gets a $100 iTunes Gift Certificate to use in any which way!

Second place, you ask? $50 iTunes Gift Certificate! Not too shabby and definitely a reason to try. Enter as many times as you like.

Suerte!

by on April 18, 2011 in Random

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How can you tell when a Latino is happy?

See if your Spanish can catch this (don’t worry, there is a translation at the end just in case!) :
Spanish Comic-Goal!!!

Women, we are more expressive, more communicative, easier to understand? But with men you never know. For example, how do you know when a man is happy?

….When he shouts “Goal”!

Go on Spanish learners, be more expressive, more communicative and easier to understand! Learn more Spanish!

But don’t do it in the old tedious, drab way where you’ll only give up, like I’ve done a gazillion times, because of boring, boring grammar and poor pronunciation.

Instead, try out the interactive stylings of Bueno, entonces… Spanish I & II (http://www.generallinguistics.com) complete with REAL native speakers and intuitive Road signs, which are easy-to-understand symbols. These subtextual signals let you know if the words are slang, formal or informal speech, past or present tense, and in what situations to use them.

These aren’t lessons that put you to sleep either. It’s edgy, funny and only for grownups.

Don’t lose the momentum, fall asleep or drop out of school, check out http://www.generallinguistics.com right now to get started.

Adios Chicos!

PS- You can also buy the 6 DVD set online at http://www.amazon.com. The Bueno, entonces… program is already the highest rated language learning program on Amazon.com.

Click http://amzn.to/buyatamazon to go straight there!

by on February 4, 2011 in Random

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