Learning a new word or phrase every day is a great way to build your vocabulary step by step. That’s why we share words and phrases in several languages so that you can learn continuously. Whether you’re learning French, German, … Continue reading
German might be known best for its compound words: words that are basically mash-ups of several words put together to create a new meaning. It’s actually not that unique: most languages put words together to create new meaning, though it’s … Continue reading
Off to Cinque Terre for a little seaside retreat? Headed to Firenza to finish off a fiery summer? Going to Siena to see the Palio horse race? No matter where you’re headed in Italy, when Parla inglese? (Do you speak English?) fails, … Continue reading
When you learn a language, one of the hardest things is learning how to use non-literal language. Aside from hand gestures, Italians use idiomatic expressions a lot, so Italian learners had better know at least a few common ones. Idiomatic … Continue reading
Idioms or idiomatic expressions are difficult to learn in any language. Taken literally, they often make no sense, but once they’re learned, they add a natural flare to a language that will make you sound more native. Just be sure … Continue reading
Visible leagues away from land and sea, the Mont Saint-Michel rises amidst the vast bay bearing its name, alternatively surrounded by miles of treacherous sand or fast marées (f.) (tides), giving it an aura of legend as the succeeding layers … Continue reading
When people think about Carnaval, Carnival in Brazil, they often think about the big desfiles, parades in Rio de Janeiro. Carnival in Rio is, in fact, one of the greatest festivais, festivals in the world, attracting hundreds of thousands of … Continue reading
According to the Merriam-Webster language dictionary onomatopoeia is the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it. Good examples in English are atchoo for sneezing and sigh for weariness. Brazilian Portuguese also … Continue reading
In celebration of San Diego’s Comic-Con, here’s how to say “comic book” in some of the languages we offer courses in.* Language Phrase [Transliteration] French une bande dessinée (lit. drawn stripe; also known as BD or bédé) German Comicbuch Italian … Continue reading
Athletic prowess reminds us of words such as treinamento, training, conquista, conquest, realização, achievement, and glória, glory. Numbers don’t always come to mind, but numbers are what separate votoriosos, winners from perdedores, losers, and um bom investimento para o país, … Continue reading