In my publicity for Great English Mistakes I list some typical mistakes made by Spanish-speakers. I have been asked for explanations of them.
• People is kind.
Should be: People are kind.
Explanation: In Spanish the word for “people” (gente) is singular.
• Which is your phone?
Should be: What is your phone number? The Spanish would be: ¿Cuál es tu teléfono?
Explanation:
1) “Cuál” conventionally translates as “which” so Spanish-speakers say “which” in questions with unlimited possibilities.
2) The Spanish form does not include the word for number.
• I am interesting to know you.
Should be: I am interested to know you.
Explanation: A common mistake with no obvious cause.
• How many children you have?
Should be: How many children do you have / have you got?
Explanation: Spanish ¿Cuántos hijos tienes? The verb (tienes) is not marked as a question. The meaning is shown by the context, with intonation in speech and punctuation in writing.
• I am sorry, I am constipated.
Should be: I am sorry, I have a cold.
Explanation: Spanish “constipado” refers to a blocked nose.
• I forgot my books at home.
Should be: I left my books at home.
Explanation: Spanish-language interference.
• I came walking.
Should be: I came on foot.
Explanation: Spanish-language interference.
• My car is in the parking.
Should be: My car is in the car park.
Explanation: “Parking” is the Spanish for car park.
• Is very beautiful your sister.
Should be: Your sister is very beautiful.
Explanation: Spanish often starts a sentence with a verb followed by the subject.
• My fathers live in Zaragoza.
Should be: My parents live in Zaragoza.
Explanation: In Spanish “padre” is “father” but “padres” is “parents”. This applies generally, e.g. “rey” is “king” but “los reyes de España” is “the King and Queen of Spain”.
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