Patente, as an adjective, is patent with the idea of being clear, obvious or evident. As an adverb it means clearly, or obviously. As a feminine noun (and the reason I found this word interesting) it is a patent in the sense that we English speakers think about the word when applied to a registered […]

Poco frecuente means to be infrequent. This site is going to be updated poco frecuente over the next couple of weeks. We are moving out of Mexico for a year. During this time of packing and traveling, it has been hard to stay consistent in writing new words. We appreciate your patience with this, and […]

Empero means nevertheless. It was not an easy word to find in dictionaries. A good, more commonly used synonym, is sin embargo.

Aún (with the accent) means still. If it is used in a negative sentence it means yet. For example: Aún estamos aquí is We are still here. But Aún no fueron is They have not left yet. However, aun (without the accent) is even. Therefore the example of Aun cuando fueron is Even though they […]

Repente means a burst (of speed) or a fit (as in going wild). Most commonly this word is used in the phrase “de repente,” which means suddenly. I had thought the term de repente meant maybe or perhaps, but since I have been in Mexico I have heard it used to mean immediately or all […]

The word varonilmente has shown up the last few times at church. It is an interesting word. The base word is varón which means man. Varonilmente therefore is literally manly. It is also used to mean valiant.

Often you will find jamás coupled with the word nunca to mean never ever (nunca jamás). Like nunca it can mean never. But I saw another use of the word last week that I had not noticed before. Jamás can also mean ever. Ever? How can it be never and ever at the same time? […]