📖 Grammar Guide: The Essentials

Week 1 • First Connections

1. Subject Pronouns (Los Pronombres)

In Spanish, we change the verb ending depending on who is the subject. First, memorize these key people:

Spanish Listen English Context
Yo I Always referring to yourself
Tú You Informal (friend, family)
Él / Ella He / She Talking about someone
Usted You (Formal) ⚠️ Formal situations
Nosotros We Me + another person
Ellos / Ellas They Group of people
🧐
The "You" Dilemma: Tú vs. Usted

Spanish has two ways to say "You". Use Tú with friends, family, children, or peers. Use Usted with your boss, elderly people, doctors, or strangers to show respect.

2. The Verb SER (To Be)

This is the most important verb. We use it to identify people and origins. Note that it is irregular.

The Formula
Yo SOY
Tú ERES
Él / Ella / Usted ES
Nosotros SOMOS
Ellos / Ustedes SON
Real Life Examples:
  • ✅
    Yo soy David.
    I am David. (Identity)
  • ✅
    Ella es de España.
    She is from Spain. (Origin)
  • ✅
    Nosotros somos estudiantes.
    We are students. (Occupation)
💡 Tip: Practice these conjugations aloud 5 times!