Friday, July 18, 2008

Romancing in Spanish


So you're single and traveling in Mexico or Latin America, perhaps alone - really the better way to absorb the language and culture of a country. So what happens if/when a potential romantic situation presents itself. Few, if any, high school or college Spanish courses even get near that subject, even the basics, such as the use of quiero can mean love in intimate situations/relationships. So one way you can find out is the tried and true trial and error method (el metod), but why bumble your way when a little study can improve your chances of getting to first base (and beyond). I'd like to give credit to the Lonely Planet's Mexican Spanish phrasebook, from which many of these expression come - it's entertaining, it's the right size, it has phonetic pronunciations and it has very few errors - and it's a bargain @ $7.99. Perhaps the only drawback is that many of the phrases are Aussie! So let's get on with it...and start with some classic pick-up lines (you're on your own for something better).

Would you like to have a drink? ¿Te invitio una copa?
Do you have a light? ¿Tienes fósforo? or ¿Tienes encendedor?
What's your sign? ¿Cuál es tu signo? (since you're obviously trying to become familiar here, you can shortcut the more formal su)
Would you like to do something tonight? ¿Quisera hacer algo anoche?
Yes, I'd love to Sí, me encantaria
Of course, what took you so long? ¿Claro, qué le tomó tan mucho tiempo?
or perhaps the reply might be a disappointing
Not if you were the last person on earth! ¡Ni nunque fueras la última persona en e mundo!
Other rejections might be more straight forward, such as
Sorry, but I have a boyfriend/girlfriend Siento, pero tengo un novio/una novia or
No thanks, I'm not interested No gracias, no estoy interestante or even something as harsh as
Get lost, you loser! ¡Ser perdidos, tu eres un perdedo!

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