In this lesson, we will learn time expressions commonly used with the “pretérito perfecto” tense in Spanish. We will explore how to use these expressions to talk about recent actions and events. This lesson will include a vocabulary table, a dialogue involving Familia García, and 10 quizzes to practice your new skills.
pressions and their usage in brackets, and another for the English translations.
Vocabulary Table
| Spanish Expression | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Este/Esta semana | This week |
| Este mes | This month |
| Este año | This year |
| Esta tarde | This afternoon |
| Este verano | This summer |
| Esta primavera | This spring |
| Este invierno | This winter |
| Este otoño | This autumn |
| Este fin de semana | This weekend |
| Hoy | Today |
| Últimamente | Lately |
| Hace 5 minutos | 5 minutes ago |
| Hace poco | A short while ago |
| Hace un rato | A while ago |
| Hace un momento | A moment ago |
| Hace 1 hora | 1 hour ago |
| Hace 2 horas | 2 hours ago |
Dialogue Table
| Spanish Dialogue | English Translation |
|---|---|
| Penélope: ¡Hola a todos! ¿Sabéis que este año he empezado a aprender a tocar el piano? ¡Ya puedo tocar dos canciones completas! | Penélope: Hello everyone! Did you know that this year I have started to learn to play the piano? I can already play two complete songs! |
| Antonio: Eso es impresionante, Penélope. Hoy, justo antes de que llegaras, he leído sobre los eventos de música en Marbella este verano. Tal vez puedas presentarte. | Antonio: That’s impressive, Penélope. Today, just before you arrived, I have read about the music events in Marbella this summer. Maybe you can perform. |
| Lucía: Mami, ¿recuerdas que esta semana te he ayudado a practicar? Ha sido muy divertido aprender contigo. Además, este mes hemos visto muchas mejoras en tu habilidad. | Lucía: Mom, do you remember that this week I have helped you practice? It has been very fun to learn with you. Also, this month we have seen many improvements in your ability. |
| Juan: Últimamente, he notado cómo has mejorado. Hace un momento, he pensado que era un disco lo que estaba sonando. Y esta tarde me impresionaste aún más con esa melodía complicada. | Juan: Lately, I have noticed how you’ve improved. A moment ago, I thought it was a record playing. And this afternoon you impressed me even more with that complex melody. |
| Abuela Rosa: Yo nunca he tocado un instrumento, pero me alegra ver que todos lo están disfrutando. Todavía no he decidido si quiero aprender algo nuevo este año. ¿Y vosotros, ya habéis hecho planes para este fin de semana? | Abuela Rosa: I have never played an instrument, but I’m glad to see that everyone is enjoying it. I have not yet decided if I want to learn something new this year. And you, have you already made plans for this weekend? |
| Juan: Hace poco, he empezado a tomar clases de fotografía. Últimamente he capturado imágenes increíbles de esta primavera aquí en Marbella. | Juan: Recently, I have started taking photography classes. Lately, I’ve captured incredible images of this spring here in Marbella. |
| Antonio: Hace 1 hora, he reservado entradas para una exhibición de arte este fin de semana. Será una buena oportunidad para ver los cambios culturales en nuestra ciudad. | Antonio: An hour ago, I booked tickets for an art exhibition this weekend. It will be a good opportunity to see the cultural changes in our city. |