Learn how native speakers use different words and phrases.

Native English

This podcast series is based on current events about unusual news stories. With each episode usually less than 30-seconds, it's a great way for beginners to improve vocabulary!

Weird News: 30-second long news episodes to improve your listening and vocabulary

Interesting news articles read in English help you to explore new vocabulary and improve your pronunciation.
Articles vary in level - Beginner, Intermediate or Advanced.

English News

Сегодня у нас в программе очень интересная книга в жанре путешествия от Ильфа и Петрова - “Одноэтажная Америка”. Посмотрим, какие у них были впечатления от того, как они впервые попробовали.. Впрочим, скоро вы всё узнаете сами!

Как всегда, читаю отрывок дважды. В первый раз медленно, по несколько слов, но обязательно ставьте эпизод на паузу, чтобы всё успеть. Второй раз читаю быстрее, чтобы вы проверили, всё ли правильно записали. Знаки препинания я буду называть, их будет несколько: точка (.), запятая (,), тире (-). двоеточие (:) и восклицательный знак(!).

Отправьте мне сообщение со словами “тринадцатый диктант готов” и я пришлю вам текст для проверки. Пишите грамотно, говорите свободно! Хорошего дня, друзья!

Writing Russian

Отрывок из книги Ильфа и Петрова “Одноэтажная Америка” (диктант)

Mientras investigaba sobre este asunto tan apasionante, iba pensando en los correos que tenía pendientes, los artículos que hay para leer sobre el tema para abarcar lo mayor posible, los libros en fila para esta semana enfocados en los clubes de lectura que coordino y las clases que debía preparar para la semana, y si queda tiempo, descansar un poquito. La necesidad de NO HACER NADA es real, siento que soy un vivo ejemplo, este tema va a estar muy interesante. Comencemos.

Español con todo 

Niksen, Descanso y Slow Living: Una Respuesta al Burnout en los Millennials


   a. Born with a silver spoon in one's mouth - To be born into a wealthy or privileged family.
      Example: "He was born with a silver spoon in his mouth, never having to worry about money."
   b. Strike gold - To discover or achieve something highly valuable or successful.
      Example: "She struck gold when she found the rare antique at the flea market."
   c. Win hands down - To win easily or without much effort.
      Example: "The experienced team won hands down in the basketball tournament."
   d. Make a killing - To make a large profit or financial gain.
      Example: "He made a killing by investing in the stock market."
   e. Luck of the draw - Outcomes determined purely by chance.
      Example: "Who gets the biggest office is just luck of the draw."


IELTS Podcast 雅思博客

Luck and success idioms:

En el episodio de hoy hablo de cultura española, y de algo que puede causar un choque cultural cuando visites España si en tu país no es algo común. Hablo de las palabras afectivas en el día a día, donde las puedes escuchar y quien las suele utilizar. Y el límite con el acoso callejero que no es lo mismo y está penado.

Como siempre, espero que disfrutes este episodio, si es así, ¡no te olvides de dejar una valoración! Y, dime, ¿qué piensas de esto? ¿En tu país también se usan este tipo de palabras para ser amable? 


Blanca to go 

90 - Cultura española. Piropos, cumplidos y palabras afectivas en el día a día

This episode describes the journey from the airport to the hotel, and gives you the vocabulary you may need for taking the underground. 
Please also use this for pronunciation.

Now that I’ve gone through customs and found my way out, I have to find transport. I go past the welcoming committee of people thronging to greet their loved ones, and look for signs that show bus, car, or train. 

I decide to take the train or underground railway. It’s called the Metro, the Underground, or the Tube in most countries. I have to ask about the best ticket for my journeys around the city, so I go to the ticket counter to get help. Once I know what I want, I can just use my debit or credit card and go to the self-service kiosk. 

I buy my ticket, and pass through the ticket barriers to go down the escalators to the floors below. I keep reading the boards to see if I’m going in the right direction.  It’s a long walk, and I sometimes have to carry my suitcase down the stairs. I begin to wonder if I shouldn’t just have taken a taxi. 

Some people offer to help, and, because it’s so heavy and no one could just run away with my luggage, I agree gratefully. 

The Tube is crowded, but I manage to find a seat. I listen carefully for my stop, and hop onto the platform. 

Once I’m out of the Tube station, I see my hotel across the road, so I go through the entranceway into the lobby. At least this hotel doesn’t have revolving doors, because it’s really awkward to manage that when you have baggage. 

I go straight across the lobby to the clerk at the reception desk. I tell them I have booked a room and tell them my name. They ask me for my passport or other identity document. I give it to them. I go to my room and the valet brings my luggage. I give him or her a tip.

I unpack my bag into the cupboards and drawers. I take a shower with the freshly laid out towels. I am now ready for my exploration in the town.

Please feel free to book a lesson with me. #knowmyteacher #pronunciation

English in 60 Seconds

After The Airport

In this episode, I explain how to use はねる haneru. The verb means to bounce or something bounces. But we use it in a slangy way! Let's take a look!