Spanish Practice Flashcards
6 cards from real Duolingo English Test practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Spanish Practice flashcards as text
In Spanish, what is the difference between 'ser' and 'estar' when both mean 'to be'?
Answer: 'Ser' is for permanent/inherent characteristics and 'estar' is for temporary states/locations
'Ser' describes inherent characteristics, identity, and permanent attributes (Soy profesor = I am a teacher). 'Estar' describes temporary states, conditions, and locations (Estoy cansado = I am tired, Estoy en casa = I am at home).
Which Spanish sentence correctly uses the preterite tense?
Answer: Yo comí una manzana ayer
'Comí' is the preterite (past) tense of 'comer,' used for completed actions in the past. 'Comía' is the imperfect (ongoing/habitual past), 'como' is present tense, and 'comeré' is future tense.
What is the correct way to express 'I like music' in Spanish?
Answer: Me gusta la música
'Me gusta la música' literally translates to 'Music is pleasing to me.' Like Italian 'piacere,' the Spanish verb 'gustar' has the liked thing as the subject. 'Gusta' (singular) is used because 'la música' is singular.
Which of the following correctly demonstrates the use of 'por' versus 'para' in Spanish?
Answer: 'Por' indicates cause/duration and 'para' indicates purpose/destination
'Por' expresses cause, reason, duration, and exchange (Gracias por tu ayuda = Thanks for your help). 'Para' expresses purpose, destination, and deadlines (Estudio para el examen = I study for the exam). Their distinction is a key Spanish challenge.
In Spanish, how do you form a negative sentence?
Answer: Place 'no' before the conjugated verb
Spanish negation is formed by placing 'no' directly before the conjugated verb: 'No hablo español' (I don't speak Spanish). Unlike English, no auxiliary verb is needed. Double negatives are also grammatically correct in Spanish: 'No tengo nada' (I don't have nothing/anything).
What is the subjunctive mood in Spanish and when is it commonly used?
Answer: It expresses wishes, doubts, emotions, and hypothetical situations
The subjunctive mood in Spanish expresses wishes (Quiero que vengas), doubt (Dudo que sepa), emotions (Me alegra que estés aquí), and hypothetical situations. It is used much more frequently in Spanish than in English and is essential for fluency.