Esparadrapo – A first aid tool

Esparadrapo might be a mouthful, but it’s a word that kids can connect with easily because it relates to something they may see often, as it’s a kind of band-aid.

• “Necesito un esparadrapo para fijar mi venda”.

This term can be an entry point to discussing basic health and safety practices in Spanish. Understanding how to ask for and talk about first-aid items is a practical skill for young learners, and esparadrapo is a great word to know. However, the most common word to use as plaster or band-aid would be “tirita”. Esparadrapo is an adhesive strip without gauze or dressing, while tirita is a small section already cut with a small piece of absorbent material.

Exquisito – A word to show admiration

Exquisito is a delightful word that means “exquisite” or “delicious”. It’s perfect for food-related lessons.

• “Este pastel está exquisito”.

This word allows people to express admiration for the finer things in life, especially food. Spanish cuisine is renowned worldwide, and being able to describe dishes as exquisito helps people appreciate and articulate their culinary experiences. Although it will typically be applied in cuisine contexts, it can also be used to show how much we enjoy some other element, such as a song or a painting.

Frigorífico –  Best place to keep the ice cream cold

Frigorífico might seem like a big word, but breaking it down into syllables makes it manageable: fri-go-rí-fi-co.

• “La leche está en el frigorífico”.

Understanding this word helps children learn about everyday household items. Knowing the term for refrigerator is essential for talking about food storage and kitchen activities, making it a practical addition to their vocabulary.

Idiosincrasia – Or how each person or group has its own traits and character

Idiosincrasia is a fantastic word to explore individuality and culture. Though it’s a bit advanced, it can be introduced through stories that highlight different characters’ unique traits.

• “Cada persona tiene su propia idiosincrasia”.

This term encourages children to appreciate the uniqueness of individuals. Understanding idiosincrasias can lead to richer conversations about personality, behavior, and cultural differences, fostering empathy and open-mindedness.

Paraguas – A tool to avoid getting soaked

Paraguas is a simple and fun word that kids can easily learn. It can be incorporated into weather-themed lessons.

• “No olvides tu paraguas, está lloviendo”.

Learning this word equips kids to talk about the weather, an essential everyday topic. It also introduces them to practical vocabulary that they can use in various contexts, such as planning for rainy days. Ultimately, it can be considered as a term to apply metaphorically as protection.

Pasteurización – Heat treatment of liquid foods

Pasteurización is a great word for science lessons. It explains the process of pasteurization and how it keeps milk and other foods safe to eat.

• “La pasteurización hace que la leche sea segura para beber”.

This term introduces children to scientific concepts in Spanish. Understanding the process of pasteurization can spark interest in science and health, making learning more comprehensive and interdisciplinary.

Pingüino – A suited bird that is not made to fly

Pingüino is a fun word that kids will love. It can be incorporated into lessons about animals, especially those living in cold climates.

• “El pingüino se balancea sobre el hielo”.

This word adds an element of fun to learning about animals. Those waddling creatures, who always seem to dress in tuxedos, are universally loved. Learning to pronounce pingüino can make Spanish lessons more engaging and enjoyable.

Trabalenguas – Some tongue twister sentences

Trabalenguas are not only a word but also a fantastic activity to improve pronunciation. Introduce simple Spanish tongue twisters and let the kids have fun trying to say them quickly.

• “Un trabalenguas puede ser difícil de decir”.

Learning trabalenguas helps kids improve their pronunciation and diction. It also adds a playful element to language learning, making it both challenging and entertaining.

Ventrílocuo – The art of talking puppets

Ventrílocuo is a fascinating word linked to the art of talking puppets. In other traditional forms of puppet theater, the puppeteer is hidden, while the ventriloquist combines the functions of puppeteer and actor, and in this way, plays a role himself in the show the artist represents.

• “El ventrílocuo hizo hablar al muñeco”.

This word can introduce children to the performing arts. Understanding this term can spark interest in puppetry and performance, expanding their cultural and artistic horizons.

Enhancing Language Learning Through Curiosity

These words are not just vocabulary; they are gateways to understanding the rich cultural tapestry of the Spanish-speaking world. By learning how to pronounce and use these words in context, kids can deepen their connection to the language and the culture it represents.
Ready to make Spanish learning a natural journey for your kids? At Escuela Eno, we know that language learning is most effective when it’s engaging and fun. Let’s make learning Spanish an adventure, one exciting word at a time!