Vale?

[lifeinperu]

Ben and Marina,

I noticed ya'll use "vale" a lot in the podcasts. Qué significa esta palabra?

Also, Marina, I noticed you use "hombre" to start some of your statements. I know what it means . . . but, in this sense what do you mean?

I realize Ben and Marina are on holiday . . . so anybody who can help. Help!

Thanks!

[cubix]

Vale means all right or ok, it can be used in place of sí. When I was in Spain my spanish mother almost always used Vale.

Not sure about the hombre

[lifeinperu]

Thanks Cubix!

Spanish Mother? Were you involved in some sort of exchange program?

[gary]

Ben and Marina,
Also, Marina, I noticed you use "hombre" to start some of your statements. I know what it means . . . but, in this sense what do you mean?
Thanks!

Vale = OK, alright, right (http://www.wordreference.com/es/en/translation.asp?spen=vale&dict=esen&B=Buscar)
-----------------
Here is a quote from the transcript of podcast 35 which is the one I think you are referring to. I can heartily recomment the transcripts an notes ans they enable you to identify idioms and their use in context.....and they are great value!

6. Hombre (http://www.wordreference.com/es/en/translation.asp?spen=hombre&dict=esen&B=Buscar) – You know you are really sounding Spanish when you start your sentences with the word ‘hombre’! Also used equally when addressing women, it is similar to how the British start sentences with ‘Well,...’

(I put the dictionary link in)

[lifeinperu]

Hombre Muchas Gracias!

[cubix]

6. Hombre (http://www.wordreference.com/es/en/translation.asp?spen=hombre&dict=esen&B=Buscar) – You know you are really sounding Spanish when you start your sentences with the word ‘hombre’! Also used equally when addressing women, it is similar to how the British start sentences with ‘Well,...’


One of my spanish friends, starts most of his sentences with pues(well), just doing that makes him sound 10x smarter

Yes, I was involved in a exchange program of sorts. See the notes from spain part. Basically went to school in Salamanca for a week. It was short, but it helped, plus it was a ton of fun

[Rania]

hombre , eso era nuevo informacion para mi :smug:

gracias :thumbs-up:

[JackMcG]

In Nicaragua they don't use "vale" but rather "dale" to mean "ok" or "agreed"! (They even use "ok" for "ok");D
They use "pues" or "bueno" as we would in english "well" for a pause or change in the conversation. And, very often say, "dale pues" for "adios" or "nos vemos"!
I have also heard the word "vaya" to express surprise at something that happens or is heard. Like in english we would say "oh my" or "your kidding"!
They say "hombre" as in the USA we often here people saying "man" as in "Hey man, what's up?". Even women use "hombre" with one another in this way. For instance:

Fabiola dice: Estoy embarazada!
Maria dice: Ay! Hombre! Vaya!

[San Ian]

Hola!

I was confused when to use 'vale' and 'venga' and thought they might be used interchangeably. I am beginning to think now that often 'venga' is like the last 'vale' before you say 'hasta luego' or some other sign off. But am I correct?

:confused:

[Grimace]

Yes, "venga" is often used to signify that the conversation is ending. I'd never really thought of it as the last "vale." No one ever explained the word to me -- I just sort of picked up on what it meant after living in Spain enough time.

Perhaps you already know this, but it's also used in the sense of "come on!" as in something you would shout at the TV when you're watching sports or when in your car if someone in front of you is going too slowly.

[San Ian]

Thanks for the post. I have heard a lot of Spanish words from Spanish drivers but don't remember hearing 'Venga' (maybe I have the wrong sort of friends:blush:). I will definitely listen out for that.:thumbs-up:

[Grimace]

Haha, if it's a Spanish driver, "venga" would only be one of many choice words used during frustrating moments . . .

"¿Pero qué coño haces, gilipollas? ¿De dónde te has sacado el carnet de conducir? ¿En una tómbola?"