Spanish confusion

In Spanish, “la esposa” means “the wife”.

“Las esposas” means “the wives”. It also means handcuffs.

Sailing Confusion in Spanish

The FurledSails Web site has lots of interesting podcasts about sailing.

One podcast Spanish and French contained an interview with Kathy Parsons who lives on a boat on the east coast of the United States.

She wrote books Spanish for Cruisers and French for Cruisers.

Some people think that Spanish is easy, but unfortunately, they use words incorrectly.

One funny incident that she relates, is of an American sailor who shouted to a Cuban customs official:

“Excusado! Darme su ropa!”.

She thought it meant:

“Excuse me! Throw me your rope!

Actually it means:

“Hey toilet! Give me your clothes!”

You have to be careful with Spanish!

Learning Spanish

I was talking to somebody in Training about learning Spanish, but I do not have much time, I said.

Try Michel Thomas she said, as she gave me a box of eight CDs: no books, no writing. You have three months!

I will let you know how I get on. Hasta mañana!