Learning Spanish can be exciting, especially when you mix entertainment with education. In this blog post, we’ll explore how you can improve your Spanish by watching Vis A Vis (Locked Up), one of Netflix’s most popular drama series. By focusing on slang and colloquial expressions from the show, you’ll boost your language skills and sound more like a native speaker.
Key Takeaways
- Watching TV series in Spanish can help you understand slang and colloquial phrases used in real-life situations.
- Context matters—learning words and expressions within a story helps you remember them better.
- With tools like clickable subtitles, you can instantly translate and save new vocabulary for future practice.
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Learning Spanish with TV Series
If you’re learning Spanish and want to sound more natural, watching TV shows in Spanish is one effective method. Vis A Vis is an excellent series for this purpose because it’s packed with everyday slang and expressions that real people use. Plus, its fast-paced plot and intense characters keep you engaged, making learning Spanish a more enjoyable experience.
In this post, we’ll break down some key slang words and phrases from Vis A Vis and show you how they’re used in context. By the end, you’ll be able to use these expressions with confidence and improve your comprehension of spoken Spanish.
Scene Breakdown from Vis A Vis
Let’s dive into a scene from Vis A Vis. In the first episode, we see prisoners at Cruz del Sur being interviewed by a documentary crew. The purpose of the interview is to give viewers insight into life inside a women’s prison. The prisoners share stories, including why they’re in jail and how they’ve adapted to their surroundings.
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Understanding Spanish Slang
- “Kos C” – Telling Someone to Be Quiet
In one scene, a prisoner uses the phrase “Kos C”, which is a rude way to tell someone to stop talking. The phrase contains vulgar slang, similar to how someone in English might say “shut up” or “damn it.” This slang is commonly heard in Spain, so it’s useful to know if you’re aiming to speak like a native.
- “Mel AOS” – To Hit Someone
Another prisoner uses “Mel AOS”, which can be translated as “I hit him” or “I beat him up.” It’s a colloquial way of expressing frustration or anger, often used in informal settings.
- “P” – To Catch or Get
The term “P” comes from the verb “pillar,” meaning to catch or get something. It’s conjugated in the first-person plural, making it “Pamos”, meaning “we caught” or “we got.” This verb is commonly used in Spain to describe catching someone in the act or obtaining something.
- “Liar Poo” – Creating Chaos
The phrase “liar poo” uses the word “liar” (to mess up) and “poo” (chicken), but in this context, it refers to causing a disturbance or chaos. It’s a colorful way to describe someone who stirs up trouble.
- “Ken” – To Search or Frisk
The slang “Ken” comes from the verb “cachear,” which means to frisk or search someone, often used in the context of a police search. For example, “me cachean siempre en la aduana” means “they always frisk me at customs.”
Learning in Context: Why It Matters
When learning a language, it’s essential to understand the context in which slang and phrases are used. Watching TV series like Vis A Vis allows you to hear slang words in action, which makes them easier to remember and more likely to stick in your memory. By seeing how characters interact, you get a better grasp of when it’s appropriate to use certain phrases.
Learning Tools for Spanish TV Series
To maximize your learning, you can use tools like Lingap Pai for Netflix, which offers clickable subtitles that allow you to translate words instantly. These tools also let you save new vocabulary and practice with flashcards, quizzes, and more. You can even adjust the playback speed of shows, which helps you catch every detail, whether you want to speed up or slow down the dialogue.
Real-Life Example: Using Spanish Slang
In a later scene from Vis A Vis, we see Macarena, one of the prisoners, talking with Rizos about a spontaneous search by the guards. Rizos asks if Macarena has a “pincho” (a homemade weapon), and Macarena denies it but admits to having something worse: a key card from the officers. The phrase “Tienes huevos”, meaning “you’ve got guts” or “you’re brave,” is used sarcastically by a guard, showcasing the casual use of slang to express admiration or sarcasm.
How to Learn Spanish Through TV Effectively
- Start with Subtitles
Use subtitles in both Spanish and your native language to match the words and phrases. This helps you understand how slang is used in context.
- Rewatch Key Scenes
Pause and rewatch scenes where new vocabulary or slang is introduced. This repetition reinforces what you’ve learned and helps you become more familiar with the language.
- Take Notes
Write down key slang words or phrases and their meanings. Over time, you’ll build a collection of useful expressions to refer back to.
FAQs about Learning Spanish with TV Shows
- Can I learn Spanish just by watching TV shows?
Yes, watching TV shows in Spanish can significantly improve your listening and comprehension skills, especially if you focus on learning slang and everyday language.
- Should I use subtitles when watching Spanish shows?
It’s a good idea to start with subtitles in your native language, then gradually switch to Spanish subtitles as your understanding improves.
- How can I remember the slang I learned from TV shows?
Practice using new slang in conversations or by writing them down. Using flashcards or apps like Lingap Pai can also help reinforce your memory.
- What’s the best show to start with for learning Spanish?
Vis A Vis is a great show for learning Spanish slang and everyday expressions, but other shows like La Casa de Papel or Elite are also useful.
- How much time should I spend watching Spanish TV shows to improve?
Consistency is key. Watching just 20–30 minutes a day can have a big impact on your Spanish learning journey.
Conclusion
Watching Spanish TV series like Vis A Vis is an enjoyable and practical way to immerse yourself in the language. By focusing on slang and colloquial expressions, you’ll be able to communicate more naturally and understand native speakers better. With tools like clickable subtitles and vocabulary quizzes, learning Spanish while watching TV has never been easier.
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How to Improve Your Spanish Skills Quicklıy
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Unlimited Spanish is a comprehensive online platform designed by Óscar Pellus with a focus on improving spoken Spanish fluency. The courses are structured to cater to learners at various levels, from beginners to advanced speakers, ensuring a tailored learning experience for each individual.
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