essay transition spanish

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100+ Spanish Transition Words and Phrases to Sound Like a Native Speaker

Below you will find over 100 Spanish transition words and phrases to help you sound more natural both in your writing and speaking. Transitional devices or connetors as they’re also called, help connect ideas, sentences, and paragraphs smoothly so there are no abrupt breaks between thoughts. Brief explanations and example sentences are included.

Spanish Transition Words Related to Time

1. después (de) – after, afterward.

“Después (de)” can be used to connect two events expressing that something occurs after something else.

Fui a ver una película con Tom después de clases. (I went to see a movie with Tom after school.)

Mi padre salió a correr después de la cena. (My father went for a run after dinner.)

2. ya – already

“Ya” can be used for expressing that something has already occurred or has occurred in the past.

Cuando llegué, él ya se había ido. (When I arrived, he had already left.)

Ya me he disculpado. (I already apologized.)

3. siempre – always

For describing something that happens always or at any moment, use siempre.

Yo siempre desayuno a las 7 am. (I always eat breakfast at 7 am.)

Siempre está bromeando. (He is always joking.)

4. en cuanto – as soon as, when, once

The phrase “en cuanto” can mean when or “as soon as”. It can also mean “while”.

En cuanto ellos vuelvan, te llamo. (As soon as they return, I will call you.)

La reconocí en cuanto la vi. (I recognized her as soon as I saw her.)

En cuanto haga la tarea, voy a leer. (Once I do my homework, I’m going to read.)

5. tan pronto como – as soon as

“Tan pronto como” means “as soon as” or “immediately after” much like the phrase “en cuanto”.

Hazlo tan pronto como puedas. (Do it as soon as you can.)

Él comerá tan pronto como llegue a casa. (He’ll eat as soon as he gets home.)

6. al principio – at first, at the beginning

“Al principio” means “initially”, or “at the start of something.” This phrase is commonly used at the beginning of a sentence.

Al principio no le gustaba. (She didn’t like him at first.)

Al principio puede ser confuso. (It can be confusing at first.)

Al principio será duro, pero todo es duro al principio. (At the beginning it will be tough, but everything is tough at the beginning.)

7. por fin – at last, finally

For describing something that occurs after a long wait or expressing the end of a long-awaited situation with emphasis, use “por fin”.

¡Por fin! Por fin conseguí trabajo. (I finally got a job.)

El héroe por fin derrotó al científico malvado. (The hero finally defeated the evil scientist.)

8. al mismo tiempo – at the same time, simultaneously

For describing events that occur at the same time, “al mismo tiempo” can be used.

Llegamos al mismo tiempo. (We arrived at the same time.)

Al mismo tiempo, él empezó a correr. (At the same time, he began to run.)

9. a la misma vez – at the same time, simultaneously

Like “al mismo tiempo”, “a la misma vez” can be used to describe two things happening at the same time.

Mi hija estudia y ve la tele a la vez. (My daughter studies and watches TV at the same time.)

10. inmediatamente – at once, immediately, right away

“Inmediatamente” is an adverb, and it can be used to express that something happens without any interruptions.

Cuando leí la noticia, te llamé inmediatamente. (When I read the news, I called you immediately.)

11. antes de (que) – before

Don’t forget to use the Spanish present subjunctive after the phrase “antes de que”. This phrase means “before”.

Habla con tu padre antes de que se vaya. (Talk to your father before he leaves.)

12. brevemente – briefly

“Brevemente” is an adverb that can be used to express that something is done shortly.

Quiero hablar brevemente acerca de las ideas que queremos proponer. (I would like to briefly talk about the ideas that we want to propose.)

13. antes de ayer, antier – the day before yesterday

This adverb also expresses time, and it can appear at the beginning or at the end of a sentence.

Mis amigos y yo estuvimos aquí antes de ayer. (My friends and I were here the day before yesterday.)

14. durante – during

The word “during” is a Spanish preposition , and it denotes simultaneity.

Ellos escucharon la radio durante el viaje. (They listened to the radio during the trip.)

15. eventualmente – eventually

For expressing an action that occurs occasionally, use the Spanish adverb “eventualmente”.

Es probable que se produzcan cambios eventualmente en el sistema. (It is likely that changes occur eventually in the system.)

16. primero – firstly

The word “primero” is both, an adverb and an adjective. To use it as a Spanish transition word use it to describe an action that occurs firstly.

Primero nos bajamos del carro y luego entramos al edificio. (First, we will get off the car and then we will enter the building.)

17. primero que nada – first of all

Just as the word “primero”, the phrase “primero que nada” also means “firstly”, or “first of all”.

Primero que nada, terminemos el proyecto. Luego podremos descansar. (First of all, let’s finish the project. Then we can rest.)

18. frecuentemente – frequently, often

For expressing actions that occur regularly, use the Spanish adverb “frecuentemente”.

Mis hermanos y yo visitamos a nuestro abuelos frecuentemente. (My siblings and I visit our grandparents frequently.)

19. al rato – in a little while, shortly after

“Al rato” is a phrase that expresses time, and it can be used to express that something happened soon after something else.

Vino Karen y me trajo el libro al rato de haberse ido. (Karen came and brought me the book shortly after she left.)

20. en primer lugar – in the first place

“En primer lugar” and “primero” are very similar. They both mean “first” or “firstly”. “En primer lugar” though is more formal than “primero”.

En primer lugar, vamos a hablar de los problemas de esta ciudad. (Firstly, we will talk about the problems of this city.)

21. mientras tanto – in the meantime, meanwhile, until then

“Mientras tanto” is a Spanish adverbial phrase that can be used to express that an activity happens at the same time a different activity is taking place.

Yo estoy trabajando; mientras tanto, tú estás haciendo nada. (I am working. Meanwhile, you are doing nothing.)

22. en el pasado – in the past

This phrase simply means “before”. You can use it at the beginning or at the end of sentences.

Esta ciudad era más tranquila en el pasado. (This city was quieter in the past.)

23. en segundo  lugar  – in the second place, secondly

This phrase is usually used to introduce a second idea.

En primer lugar, hablaré de mi libro y, en segundo lugar, contestaré sus preguntas. (First, I will talk about my book, and, secondly, I will answer your questions.)

24. anoche – last night, yesterday evening

You can use this Spanish adverb at the end or at the beginning of sentences.

Anoche publiqué una nueva entrada en mi blog. (Last night I published a new entry on my blog.)

25. por último – lastly, finally, last but not least

This phrase can be used to express that something was done in the end or to introduce one last idea.

Por último, los estudiantes dieron las gracias a su profesor. (Finally, the students thanked their tutor.)

26. la mayor parte del tiempo – most of the time, mostly

This adverbial phrase can be used at the end or beginning of sentences, and it means “mostly”.

José es de Guatemala, pero vivió en México la mayor parte del tiempo. (José is from Guatemala, but he mostly lived in Mexico.)

27. luego – next, close (Mexico), soon (Latin America)

In general, the word “luego” means “next” or “then”. However, in Mexico, it means “close”, and in Latin America, it means “soon”.

Me levanté y luego me duché. (I woke up and then I took a shower.)

La casa de mis padres está acá luego. (My parent’s house is very close.)

Espérame un momento que luego estoy contigo. (Wait for me! I will soon be with you.)

28. al otro día – (the) next day

This phrase means “the other day” or “next morning/day”.

Quedamos en vernos al otro día. (We made plans to meet the other day.)

29. por la mañana – in the morning

For expressing that something was done in the morning, use the Spanish phrase “por la mañana”.

El sol se pone temprano por la mañana. (The sun rises early in the morning.)

30. nunca – never, ever (after not)

Use the adverb “nunca” before the main verb of a sentence.

Nunca he cantado en frente de otras personas. (I have never sung in front of other people.)

31. ahora – now, in a minute, currently

The word “ahora” has more than one meaning. It can mean “now” or “soon”.

Ahora es mi turno. (Now it is my turn.)

Ahora regreso. (I’ll be back in a minute.)

32. muchas veces – often, many times

Native Spanish speakers usually use this phrase at the end of sentences.

He estado en España muchas veces. (I have been in Spain many times.)

33. el siguiente año – the following year

You can also say “el siguiente día” (the following day), “el siguiente mes” (the following month), or “la siguiente semana” (the following week).

Me mudaré de casa el siguiente año. (I will move out the following year.)

34. raramente – rarely, seldom

For expressing an action that occurs rarely, use the Spanish adverb “raramente”.

Yo raramente me enfermo. (I rarely get sick.)

35. desde entonces – since then, ever since

For expressing that an action started to take place since a specific point in time, use “desde entonces”.

Ella dejó de comer lácteos y se ha sentido mejor desde entonces. (She stopped eating dairy and has felt better since then.)

36. algunas veces – sometimes, a few times, occasionally

This adverb expresses frequency. It means that something happens at times.

Normalmente camino a la escuela, pero algunas veces tomo el bus. (I usually walk to school, but sometimes I take the bus.)

37. pronto – soon, fast, quickly, early (Spain)

“Pronto” means “soon”, but in Spain, it means “early”.

Tenemos que terminar el reporte pronto. (We need to finish the report soon.)

Es muy pronto para desayunar. (It is too early to have breakfast.)

38. de repente – suddenly, all of a sudden, maybe (South America)

The phrase “de repente” has a different meaning. It means “suddenly”. In South America, it means “maybe” and “probably”.

De repente escuchamos un gran ruido. (Suddenly, we heard a big noise.)

De repente se le olvidó la clase. (He probably forgot the lesson.)

39. entonces – then

The word “entonces” has different meanings. It means “at that time” or “then”. It is also used to express a conclusion.

Si te gustan las fresas, entonces te gustará este postre. (If you like strawberries, then you’ll like this dessert.)

Se casarán el otro mes y entonces se irán a vivir a Costa Rica. They will get married next month, and then they will move to Costa Rica.

40. mientras tanto – in the meantime, meanwhile, until then

41. para continuar – to continue.

If you use a verb after this phrase, make sure to add -ando or -iendo to it. Use Spanish present participles after the verb “continuar”.

Apagué la alarma para continuar durmiendo. (I turned off the alarm to continue sleeping.)

42. cuando – when, if

“Cuando” can be used as an adverb and conjunction. It means “when” and can be used in conditional sentences.

Cuando sea grande, seré un policía. (I will be a police officer when I grow up.)

43. tercero – third

This word can be used to introduce a third idea.

Primero, debes ser responsable. Segundo, debes trabajar duro. Tercero, debes ser puntual. (First, you need to be responsible. Second, you need to work hard. Third, you need to be punctual.)

44. ayer – yesterday

Use the adverb “ayer” to express that something happened yesterday.

El accidente ocurrió ayer. (The accident happened yesterday.)

Spanish Transition Words Related to Place

45. encima de – at the top of.

For expressing that something is in one place superior to another one, use the Spanish prepositional phrase “encima de”.

Pon la taza encima de la mesa. (Put the cup on the table.)

46. en medio de – midst, in the middle of

For expressing that something is in the middle of something or between two things, use the Spanish prepositional phrase “en medio de”.

¡Ten cuidado! Hay una animal en medio de la calle. (Be careful! There is an animal in the middle of the street.)

47. alrededor de – around, about

“Alrededor de” expresses time and place. When it expresses time, it approximately indicates a number. When it indicates a place, it means “around”.

Los niños corren alrededor de la silla. (Children run around the chair.)

Son alrededor de las 5 de la tarde. (It’s about 5 in the afternoon.)

48. abajo – below, down

This Spanish adverb indicates that something is in a place that is in a lower position than something else.

Encontrarás la traducción de este documento abajo. (You will find the translation of this document below.)

49. al lado de – next to, by

For expressing that something is close to something else, use the Spanish phrase “al lado de”.

Mi cama está al lado de la ventana. (My bed is next to the window.)

50. más allá – beyond, further

This phrase is used to express that something is far away from something else.

Hay un pequeño pueblo más allá del río. (There is a small town beyond the river.)

51. adelante – forward, ahead, onward

This adverb indicates that something is in the direction that someone is facing. If someone tells you “¡Adelante!”, he means “carry on”.

Estamos cansados, pero seguimos adelante. (We are tired, but we are moving forward.)

52. de – of, from

This is the most used Spanish preposition. It is usually translated as “of” or “from”.

Mis padres son de España. (My parents are from Spain.)

53. desde – from, since

This denotes a point in time or place. Use “desde” with specific dates or places.

No te puedo ver bien desde aquí. (I cannot see you well from here.)

54. aquí – here

This Spanish adverb means at, on or in this place.

¡Ven aquí! Quiero mostrarte algo. (Come here! I want to show you something.)

55. delante de – in front of, before

“Delante de” means “at the sight of” or “in the presence of”.

Me gusta cantar delante de mucha gente. (I like to sing in front of many people.)

56. dentro de – within

If something is “dentro de” something else, it is inside a real or imaginary space.

La carta está dentro del sobre. (The letter is inside the envelope.)

57. cerca de – close to

For expressing that something is close to something else, use the Spanish prepositional phrase “cerca de”.

Hay un parque cerca de mi casa. (There is a park near my house.)

58. sobre – on, about

The word “sobre” has more than one meaning. It can mean “on”, “about” or “over”.

Puse tus libros sobre la mesa. (I put your books on the table.)

59. frente a – in front, in the face of

“Frente a” and “delante de” have the same meaning. It means “at the sight of” or “in the presence of”.

Estoy frente a la tienda, no al lado de ella. (I’m in front of the store, not next to it.)

60. afuera – outside

For expressing that something is outside of the site where it is, use the Spanish adverb “afuera”.

Estamos afuera de la casa. (We are outside the house.)

61. a través de – through, across

“A través de” is a Spanish prepositional phrase, and it means “through” or “across”.

Todos los turistas caminamos a través de las montañas. (All the tourists walked through the mountains.)

62. entre – between, among, amid

If you are “entre” two things, you may be “between”, “among” or “amid” them.

Hay un espacio grande entre la mesa y la pared. (There is a large space between the table and the wall.)

63. debajo de – below, under, underneath

The words “debajo de”, “bajo” and “abajo” can be translated into English as “below” or “under”.

Encontré mi libro debajo de la cama. “I found my book under the bed.”

64. junto a – next to

For expressing that something is “next to” or “close to” something else, use the phrase “junto a”.

Me senté junto a mi amigo en la reunión. (I sat next to my friend at the meeting.)

Spanish Transition Words to Add an Idea

65. aparte de – besides, apart from, aside from.

Use the prepositional phrase “aparte de” to add an idea. It means “besides” or “apart from”.

Aparte de mí, todos tienen hambre. (Apart from me, everyone is hungry.)

66. además – moreover, additionally, in addition

For adding information to the one already presented, use the Spanish adverb “además”.

La fruta es buena para tu salud y, además, son deliciosas. (Fruit is good for your health and, in addition, it’s delicious.)

67. asimismo – also

For expressing equality and similarity, use the Spanish adverb “asimismo”.

Ellos donaron dinero a la organización. Asimismo, donaron algunos juguetes. (They donated money to the organization. They also donated some toys.)

68. de todas formas – in any case, anyhow

This Spanish phrase is used to confirm or support an idea.

Mi profesor no sabía la respuesta a mi pregunta, pero me ayudó de todas formas. (My teacher did not know the answer to my question, but he helped me anyway.)

69. de todas maneras – in any case, anyhow, all the same

The phrase “de todas maneras” is used in the same way “de todas formas” is used. They both mean the same.

Quédate. De todas maneras, todos somos responsables. (Stay. We are responsible all the same.)

70. de todos modos – in any case, anyhow

The phrase “de todos modos” is used in the same way “de todas formas” is used. They both mean the same.

Quedémonos en casa. De todos modos, no podremos ir a la fiesta. (Let’s stay at home. Anyway, we cannot go to the party.)

71. de cualquier manera – in any case, in any way, anyhow

The phrase “de cualquier manera” is used in the same way “de todas formas” is used. They both mean the same.

Está lloviendo, pero pienso ir al colegio de todos modos. (It’s raining, but I plan to go to school anyway.)

72. sobre todo – above all, particularly, especially

You can use this Spanish phrase to give special emphasis to an idea.

A mí me gustan las rosas, sobre todo las rojas. (I like roses, especially red ones.)

73. también – also, too

“También” means “in addition”.

Yo quiero aprender a bailar salsa también. (I want to learn to dance salsa, too.)

74. otra vez – again

The phrase “otra vez” means “another time” or “once more”.

Me estás haciendo la misma pregunta otra vez. (You are asking me the same question again.)

75. y – and

The word “y” is a conjunction. It is used to connect two ideas or words of the same part of speech. It is used to introduce an additional idea.

Mi hermana no come carnes rojas, y mi hermano no come carnes blancas. (My sister does not eat red meat, and my brother does not eat white meat.)

76. en primera instancia – in the first place, first of all

For introducing an initial idea, you can use the phrase “en primera instancia”.

En primera instancia, quiero agradecerles su presencia. (First of all, I want to thank you for your presence.)

77. de igual manera – similarly, likewise, in the same way

You can use this Spanish phrase to express a similarity between two facts or events.

De igual manera, quiero agradecerte por tu participación. (In the same way, I want to thank you for your participation.)

Spanish Transition Words to Contrast an Idea

78. a diferencia de – in contrast to, unlike.

For expressing that something is different from something else, use the phrase “a diferencia de”.

A diferencia de mis abuelos, muchas personas prefieren quedarse en casa. (Unlike my grandparents, many people prefer to stay at home.)

79. a pesar de – in spite of, despite

“A pesar de” means “without being affected by”. This phrase is usually translated into English as “despite” or “in spite of”.

Llegamos a tiempo al trabajo a pesar del tráfico. (We arrived on time to work despite the traffic.)

80. a pesar de que – despite the fact that, although

The phrase “a pesar de que” usually introduces a subordinate sentence. It means “although”.

A pesar de que no me gustan las películas de acción, esta me gustó. (Even though I do not like action movies, I liked this one.)

81. al contrario – on the contrary,  in contrast

Don’t confuse “al contrario” and “de lo contrario”. “Al contrario” means “on the contrary”. “De lo contrario” means “if not”.

No tengo ninguna objeción. Al contrario, estoy de acuerdo contigo. (I have no objection. On the contrary, I agree with you.)

82. aunque – although, even though

The word “aunque” introduces a subordinate sentence. It means “although”.

Llegaré a tu casa aunque no quieras. (I’ll come to your house even if you do not want to.)

83. con todo – nevertheless, still

This phrase introduces a comment that is opposed to what is expressed. Hemos tenido muchos problemas. Con todo, hemos progresado. (We have had a lot of problems. Nevertheless, we have made progress.)

84.  en cambio – on the other hand, instead

This prepositional phrase expresses a complete contrast.

Creí que pocos vendrían a mi fiesta. En cambio, muchos vinieron . (I thought that few would come to my party. Instead, many came.)

85. en contraste con – in contrast to

This phrase is used to compare two things or people and say that the second one is different from the first one.

En contraste con el agua de los ríos, el agua del mar es salada. (In contrast to the water of rivers, the water from the sea is salty.)

86. en lugar de – instead of, rather than

You can use this Spanish phrase to say that something replaces something else.

Prefiero ayudar en lugar de quedarme aquí sentada. (I prefer to help instead of sitting here.)

87. en vez de – instead of, rather than

“En vez de” and “en lugar de” have similar meanings. You can use this phrase to express that something replaces something else.

Muchos envían correos en vez de cartas. (Many send emails instead of letters.)

88. no obstante – nevertheless, however, notwithstanding

This Spanish phrase is used to express contrast, and it is usually used at the beginning of sentences.

Ese problema no es importante; no obstante, necesita mi atención. (That problem is not important; however, it needs my attention.)

89. por el contrario – on the contrary, by contrast

This phrase is also used to compare two things or people and say that the second one is different from the first one.

Mi padre es muy serio y, por el contrario, mi madre es muy sonriente. My father is very serious and, on the contrary, my mother is very smiling.

90. por un lado…por el otro lado – on the one hand…on the other hand

It is a Spanish connector (or link word) that allows you to sort the information of a speech.

Ten en cuenta dos cosas: por un lado el tiempo que invertirán y, por el otro, el dinero que necesitarán para llevar a cabo este proyecto.

(Keep in mind two things: on the one hand the time they will invest and, on the other, the money they will need to carry out this project.)

91. sin embargo – nevertheless, however

El equipo jugó muy bien. Sin embargo, perdió el campeonato. (The team played very well. However, it lost the championship.)

92. pero – but

The word “pero” is a conjunction, and it joins two sentences, clauses, phrases or words of the same part of speech. It is used to express contrast.

Ella quiere un café sin leche, pero yo lo quiero con leche y azúcar. (She wants a coffee without milk, but I want it with milk and sugar.)

93. aún así – even so

For expressing a statement that seems surprising after what you said before, use “aún así”.

Hay muchos policías en las calles y, aún así, hay muchos robos en la ciudad. (There are many policemen in the streets. Even so, there are many robberies in the city.)

94. de lo contrario – otherwise, differently

This phrase can be used to express how an idea is related to what was said before.

El caviar es delicioso y nadie puede convencerme de lo contrario. (Caviar is delicious and no one can convince me otherwise.)

Spanish Transition Words to Compare an Idea

95. así como – as well as, just as.

“Así mismo” means “to an equal degree than”.

Pienso invitar a mi familia así como a mis amigos. (I plan to invite my family as well as my friends.)

96. con relación a – with regard to, regarding

“Con relación a” means “regarding” or “about”.

Quiero hacerte unas preguntas con relación al accidente de ayer. (I want to ask you a few questions with regard to yesterday’s accident.)

97. de la misma forma/manera/modo – in the same way, likewise

For expressing that something was performed in the way or in the like manner as something else, use “de la misma manera”. “Forma” and “modo” are other ways of saying “manera”.

Todos los trabajadores de esta empresa deben ser tratados de la misma forma que los de otras empresas. (All the workers of this company must be treated in the same way as those of other companies.)

98. en cuanto a – in terms of, in respect of

The phrase “en cuanto a” means “in connection to” or “in terms of”.

Mi opinión en cuanto a los gastos de la empresa es que debemos acortarlos. (My opinion regarding the expenses of the company is that we must shorten them.)

99. sin duda – without a doubt, certainly, surely

For emphasizing that what is being said is true, use the Spanish phrase “sin duda”.

Mi amigo es muy generoso y sin duda te ayudará. (My friend is very generous and will undoubtedly help you.)

100. tal como – just like, such as

The phrase “tal como” also means “for example”.

La situación es tal como la han descrito. (The situation is just like it was described.)

101. de cierta manera – in a way, in some way, in a sense

For expressing that something was done in an unspecified way or manner, use the Spanish phrase “de cierta manera”. De cierta manera, estoy de acuerdo contigo. (In a way, I agree with you.)

Spanish Transition Words to Explain an Idea

102. está claro que – of course, admittedly, it is clear that.

You can use this Spanish phrase to agree that something is true.

Está claro que todos hemos entendido la explicación. (It is clear that we have all understood the explanation.)

103. en efecto – indeed, in fact

For confirming what has been stated, use the phrase “en efecto”.

Esta oferta es, en efecto, muy buena. (This offer is, in effect, very good.)

104. en realidad – indeed, in fact, actually

This phrase is usually used at the beginning of sentences, and it means “actually”.

En realidad, las cosas no son como tú crees. (Actually, things are not as you think they are.)

105. en resumen – in short, in summary, in essence

For summing up ideas, use the Spanish phrase “en resumen”.

La reunión de ahora fue, en resumen, muy provechosa. Today’s meeting was, in short, very helpful.

106. es decir – that is to say, in other words

For expressing something in a different way, use the phrase “es decir”.

Ellos hablan de la capital de Francia, es decir, de Paris . They speak of the capital of France, in other words, Paris.

107. por ejemplo – for example

For introducing examples, use the phrase “for example” in Spanish.

Compremos productos de belleza: maquillaje, por ejemplo. Let’s us buy beauty products: makeup, for example.

108. por lo general – in general, usually

To indicate that you are talking about something as a whole, use the Spanish phrase “por lo general”.

Por lo general, esta reunión se realiza a fin de mes. (Usually, this meeting is held at the end of the month.)

109. por supuesto – of course, naturally

For introducing an idea that is expected, use the Spanish phrase “por supuesto”.

Por supuesto que quiero conocer a tus hijos. (Of course, I want to meet your children.)

110. en otras palabras – in other words

For expressing something in a different way, use the phrase “en otras palabras”.

La hermana de mi mamá es, en otras palabras, mi tía. (My mom’s sister is, in other words, my aunt.)

111. en particular – in particular

To state that an idea or a statement applies to one person or thing more than any other, use the phrase “en particular”.

Ahora hablamos de dos temas en particular. Today we talked about two issues in particular.

112. específicamente – specifically, particularly

For giving special emphasis to a statement, use the Spanish adverb “específicamente”.

Este juguete fue diseñado específicamente para niños de dos años. (This toy was designed specifically for two-year-old children.)

113. para ilustrar – to illustrate

For explaining ideas or making something clear, use the phrase “para ilustrar”.

Quiero decir algo para ilustrar lo que acabo de decir. (I want to say something to illustrate what I just said.)

Spanish Transition Words to Express Results

114. en consecuencia – consequently, accordingly, as a consequence.

Use the phrase “en consecuencia” to express the result. You can also use the adverb “consecuentemente”.

Los colegios privados son populares; en consecuencia, atraen más estudiantes. (Private schools are popular; consequently, they attract more students.)

115. por consiguiente – consequently, therefore

“Por consiguiente” and “en consecuencia” have similar meanings. You can also use the phrase to express the result.

Has trabajado todo el día y por consiguiente deberías descansar. You have worked all day; therefore,  you should rest.

116. por eso – therefore, for this reason, that’s why

For introducing a logical result, use the Spanish phrase “por eso”.

No consumo lácteos; por eso, no como pizza. (I do not consume dairy; for this reason, I do not eat pizza.)

117. por lo tanto – therefore, hence

“Por lo tanto” and “por eso” have a similar meaning. Use this phrase to introduce a logical result.

La oferta es buena; y por lo tanto, la aceptaremos. (The offer is good; therefore, we will accept it.)

118. por lo visto – apparently, by all accounts, with that in mind

Use “por lo visto” to express that you are not certain about what you are stating.

Por lo visto, la compañía ha alcanzado sus metas. (Apparently, the company has reached its goals.)

119. resulta que … – it turns out that . . .

For expressing result, use the Spanish phrase “resulta que”. If you want to use this phrase in the past, use “resultó que”.

Estela me dijo que vendía, pero ahora resulta que no vendrá. Estela told me she would come, but now it turns out she will not come.

120. ya que – since, because of

For introducing reasons or explanations, use the phrase “ya que”.

No pude llegar a la reunión ya no que había transporte. (I could not go to the meeting since there was no transportation.)

Spanish Transition Words to Conclude an Argument

121. al fin y al cabo – after all.

For supporting a statement you just said, use the Spanish phrase “al fin y al cabo”.

Hasta mi profesor de matemáticas se equivoca. Al fin y al cabo, él también es humano. (Even my math teacher makes mistakes. After all, he is also human.)

122. finalmente – finally, eventually, lastly, at last

This Spanish adverb is used to express that something was done in the end.

My sister could finally solve the math problem! (Finalmente, mi hermana pudo resolver el problema de matemáticas.)

123. para terminar –  lastly, finally

For indicating that something is last in a series of actions, use the phrase “para terminar”.

Para terminar, quiero hablarles acerca del proyecto en el que están trabajando. (To finish, I want to talk to you about the project you are working on.)

Spanish Transition Words Practice

And finally.

Memorizing vocabulary is easier than you think! When learning a new word, look at its spelling, meaning, usage and pronunciation. And don’t forget to learn it in context so you learn when, where, and how it’s used. Clozemaster can help you with all that and more! Check it out.

4 thoughts on “100+ Spanish Transition Words and Phrases to Sound Like a Native Speaker”

Muchas gracias por esta lista. This seems to be quite extensive and will be a very useful addition to anyone trying to learn the ins and outs of Spanish. You have put a lot of thought into this and I for one am very grateful.

Very good list, I learned a lot! I’m gonna save this. I was just hoping there would be transition words for changing the subject, not so abruptly lol

Perfect to use for the persuasive essay on the AP Spanish exam! Thank you very much.

. This is the best list ever. It is quite exhaustive, which is a good thing. I will use this forever and ever as I continue to work on improving my Spanish. It’s very easy to read and follow. You will get a lot of use out of this. No need to reinvent the wheel because someone has already done it for you.

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List of Spanish Transition Words

Are you struggling to connect your ideas in Spanish? Look no further! This article has got you covered with a comprehensive list of Spanish transition words.

Whether you want to add information, contrast ideas, or express cause and effect, we’ve got the perfect transition words for you.

With our organized and fluent style, you’ll be able to sequence and organize your ideas like a pro.

Get ready to elevate your Spanish writing to the next level!

Key Takeaways

• Transition words are important in Spanish writing as they improve the flow and coherence of ideas.
• They create a logical structure and make the writing more organized and understandable.
• Transition words help connect thoughts smoothly and guide the reader through the text.
• Spanish transition words can be used to add information, contrast ideas, express cause and effect, and sequence and organize ideas.

Commonly Used Spanish Transition Words

You should use ‘por otro lado’ to transition to a different point in the current discussion. Transition words are essential in Spanish writing to improve the flow and coherence of your ideas. They allow you to connect your thoughts smoothly and guide your reader through your text. Using transition words helps to create a logical structure and make your writing more organized and understandable.

In Spanish communication, transition words also play a crucial role. They enable you to express contrasting ideas, add information, provide examples, and summarize your thoughts effectively. By using these words, you can enhance the clarity and coherence of your speech, facilitating comprehension for your audience.

Transition Words for Adding Information in Spanish

Using the transition word ‘además’ will help you seamlessly add more information to your Spanish writing or speech. Transition words play a crucial role in connecting ideas and making your writing or speech more coherent. When it comes to adding information or giving examples, there are several other useful transition words in Spanish. These words not only help you provide more details but also emphasize your points effectively. Take a look at the table below for some examples:

Spanish Transition Words for Contrasting Ideas

Don’t forget to utilize the transition word ‘a pesar de’ when contrasting ideas in your Spanish writing or speech. This transition word is commonly used to express a contradiction or disagreement between two ideas.

Here are some other Spanish transition words that you can use to compare and contrast ideas:

• En cambio (On the other hand)
• Sin embargo (However)
• Por otro lado (On the other hand)
• Aunque (Although)

These transition words are essential when expressing different viewpoints or presenting contrasting ideas in Spanish. They help to create a clear and organized flow in your writing or speech.

By using these words effectively, you can convey your thoughts and arguments more effectively and engage your audience in a meaningful discussion.

Expressing Cause and Effect With Spanish Transition Words

Make sure to incorporate the transition word ‘porque’ when expressing cause and effect in your Spanish writing or speech. When exploring the different types of cause and effect relationships in Spanish writing, it’s important to understand how to effectively use Spanish transition words to convey cause and effect.

‘Porque’ is a commonly used transition word that means ‘because’ and is used to introduce the cause of an action or event. For example, ‘No pude salir con mis amigos porque tenía que estudiar’ (I couldn’t go out with my friends because I had to study).

Additionally, other transition words such as ‘ya que’ (since), ‘debido a’ (due to), and ‘por lo tanto’ (therefore) can be used to express cause and effect relationships in Spanish writing.

Mastering these transition words will greatly enhance your ability to convey cause and effect in Spanish.

Spanish Transition Words for Sequencing and Organizing Ideas

Have you learned how to effectively use Spanish transition words to sequence and organize your ideas? Transition words are essential in providing coherence and structure to your writing or speaking. They allow you to smoothly guide your audience from one idea to the next, making your message clear and easy to follow.

When it comes to giving examples and illustrating ideas in Spanish, you can use transition words such as ‘por ejemplo’ (for example), ‘como’ (like), ‘es decir’ (that is to say), and ‘en otras palabras’ (in other words). These words help you provide concrete examples and clarify your point.

Additionally, when summarizing and concluding your thoughts, you can rely on transition words like ‘en resumen’ (in summary), ‘finalmente’ (finally), ‘en conclusión’ (in conclusion), and ‘para concluir’ (to conclude). By using these transition words, you can effectively wrap up your ideas and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any transition words in spanish that can be used to express emphasis or intensify an idea.

To express emphasis or intensify an idea in Spanish, there are several transition words you can use. These words can help you effectively connect your thoughts and make your writing more coherent. Here are some tips for improving your Spanish writing with transition words.

Are There Specific Transition Words in Spanish That Can Be Used to Introduce Examples or Provide Further Support to an Idea?

When it comes to introducing examples or providing further support in Spanish, there are specific transition words for that. They help emphasize and intensify your ideas, making your point even stronger.

Can You Provide Some Transition Words in Spanish That Are Commonly Used to Summarize or Conclude an Argument or Discussion?

To summarize or conclude an argument or discussion in Spanish, commonly used transition words include "en resumen" (in summary), "en conclusión" (in conclusion), and "finalmente" (finally). ¿Cuáles son los conectores de cambio de tema en español? ¿Existen palabras de transición en español que puedan usarse para resumir o concluir un argumento o discusión?

Are There Any Transition Words in Spanish That Can Be Used to Express a Result or Consequence?

To express a result or consequence in Spanish, you can use transition words like "por lo tanto" (therefore) or "así que" (so). Knowing how to use these effectively is key. Avoid common mistakes by practicing and seeking feedback.

Can You Recommend Some Transition Words in Spanish That Can Be Used to Indicate a Change in Topic or Shift in Focus?

To effectively use transition words in Spanish and improve your writing flow, it is important to know how to indicate a change in topic or shift in focus. Avoid common mistakes and ensure a knowledgeable, fluent, and organized style for better understanding.

In conclusion, mastering Spanish transition words is crucial for effective communication. These words not only help to connect ideas smoothly but also add depth and coherence to your writing.

Just like a well-orchestrated symphony, transition words serve as the conductor, guiding the flow of thoughts and providing a seamless transition between different sections.

So, whether you’re adding information, contrasting ideas, or expressing cause and effect, incorporating these words into your writing will elevate it to a whole new level.

It’s like adding the final brushstroke to a masterpiece, creating a harmonious and captivating composition.

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Spanish Transition Words: Simple Guide to Connecting Words

Have you ever had the impression that, when speaking or writing Spanish, your sentences are independent thoughts that don’t seem to flow? Don’t worry. This happens to many learners! To improve your coherence and fluency, you must learn transition words in Spanish. 

Whether it’s for an essay or a conversation, linking your ideas together is fundamental to sounding cohesive and coherent. Since they help you achieve this, in this guide, you’ll learn how to use connecting words and transitional phrases in Spanish. 

Here is an overview of the topics we’ll cover:

• What Are Transition Words & How Do They Work
• To add information
• To explain cause and effect
• To describe opposition or contrast
• To explain or provide examples
• To emphasize an idea
• To express purpose
• To describe sequence and time
• To express similarity

What Are Spanish Transition Words?

Spanish transition words, also called transitional, connecting, or linking words, have a primary function: to connect ideas and describe the relation between them.

Confused? Let’s see an example.

Charlotte está enojada. Rompí su teléfono. Charlotte is mad. I broke her phone.

The example above expresses two ideas. #1 Charlotte is mad, and #2 I broke her phone. Is there a connection between these facts? Yes! But since it’s unclear, I’m forcing you to make that assumption.

Things will sound more fluid and make more sense if you use a Spanish transition word to express causation (cause and effect). 

Charlotte está enojada porque rompí su teléfono . Charlotte is mad because I broke her phone .

With this rewritten example, ‘porque’ (because) is the connecting word, linking the two ideas together. Now the reason why Charlotte is mad is perfectly clear.

So, Spanish transition words link your ideas together while describing how those ideas relate to each other. Since connecting words in Spanish can be used to link ideas, sentences, or paragraphs together, they help others understand what you’re saying.

Take Note: Connectors in Spanish can be made by one word, such as porque. However, transitional phrases are built with two or more words . For example, ‘ya que’, ‘debido a’ or ‘a cause de’, are all more complex ways of saying ‘because’.

List of Connecting Words in Spanish

Connecting words in Spanish are classified based on the type of relationship they express. 

• Cause and effect

Explanation or examples

Sequence and time, similarity .

In the sections below, you’ll find lists with common transition words and phrases in Spanish and examples of how to use them. 

Tip: Transition words in Spanish are often associated with writing essays. But you’d also use these connectors in daily conversations.  

As its name suggests, Spanish transitional words of addition allow you to introduce new information .

Lucas dobló la ropa, también preparó la cena . Lucas folded the clothes; he also prepared dinner .

No pude venir porque estaba ocupada. Además , me sentía mal . I couldn’t come because I was busy. Also , I was feeling sick .

Cause and effect or Reason

As shown at the beginning of this article, this type of Spanish transitional word helps you describe the cause and effect of an action or behavior. 

Llegué tarde debido al tráfico . I’m late due to the traffic .

Carlos está enfermo, así que no vendrá esta noche . Carlos is sick, so he won’t be coming tonight .

Mañana es día feriado. Por lo tanto , no se trabaja . Tomorrow is a public holiday. Therefore, people don’t have to work .

Take Note: Just as in English, some transitional words in Spanish may be more formal than others. 

Contrast or opposition 

Spanish transition words of contrast express an opposite relationship between ideas. When writing essays, these words are helpful to contrast ideas, theories or someone’s position about a certain issue.  

Me gustaría ir, pero tengo trabajo . I would like to go, but I have work to do .

Aunque te cueste trabajo , debes practicar tu español. Although it may be difficult , you should practice your Spanish.

Samantha se distrae fácilmente. Sin embargo , sus calificaciones son buenas . Samantha gets easily distracted. However, her grades are good .

Tip: In Spanish, these transition words can be placed at the beginning or the middle of a sentence. Notice that, if they start the sentence, they are always followed by commas. 

Whether you’re writing or having a conversation, sometimes you need to explain or clarify what you’re saying. To do this, you can use the following transition words and phrases in Spanish:

Cocinar es muy difícil. Mejor dicho , a mí me cuesta mucho trabajo . Cooking is very difficult. Or rather , it’s very difficult for me .

El libro relata hechos fantásticos, es decir , hechos que no son reales . The book tells fantastic stories, meaning , unreal facts .

Creo que todos podemos ayudar. Por ejemplo , yo puedo limpiar la casa . I think we all can help. For example, I can clean the house .

Take Note: In Mexican Spanish , o sea is a popular filler word. 

As their name suggests, these Spanish connecting words are used to emphasize important ideas that people should pay attention to. 

Sin duda, este año fue muy difícil para todos . Without a doubt , this year was difficult for all of us .

Me gustan mucho las películas, especialmente, las de terror . I like movies very much, especially horror movies .

When it comes to transition words for essays and formal writing in Spanish, terms and phrases that express purposes are very important because they help you describe the goal of the text itself or a section within it.  

Some examples of these transitional words include:

Incluí ejemplos con el fin de que este artículo sea más fácil de entender . I included examples in order to make this article easier to understand .

El objetivo de este artículo es enseñarte a usar conectores en español . The purpose of this article is to teach how to use connectors in Spanish .

Spanish transition words and phrases also allow you to describe the order or sequence of your ideas or the time when specific actions occur. These connections are helpful when you need to establish chronological order or the steps of a process.

Here are some examples of these words: 

Primero encuentra tus llaves y, después , nos podemos ir. First , find your keys and , then , we can leave. 

Finalmente, los resultados encontrados no prueban… Finally , the results found do not prove…

Por último, me gustaría mencionar… Lastly, I would like to mention…

If you need to point out similarities between two ideas or paragraphs, you can use the following Spanish connectors:

Estos celulares son igualmente buenos. These phones are equally good.

De igual manera , todos tienen que entregar su proyecto. Likewise, every one must deliver their project.

Take Note: In Spanish, igualmente is also used as a response to ‘ nice to meet you ’ or ‘ have a nice day ’. 

Transition words in Spanish are necessary to have a more fluid and natural conversation. 

Entonces, don’t be afraid to use them! (See what I did there?). Here are some key points you should keep in mind:

• Transition words connect ideas and explain how those ideas relate to each other. 
• Add new information
• Describe cause and effect
• Contrast two ideas
• Provide explanations and introduce examples
• Emphasize ideas
• Express the purpose of a text or section
• Describe the sequence your ideas follow
• Point out the similarities between two or more ideas
• These words and phrases are mostly placed at the beginning or middle of a sentence.
• Unless they’re followed by a preposition, transition words that start a new sentence or paragraph must be accompanied by a comma . 

Now that you know this new vocabulary, it’s time for you to go and apply it! ¡ Buena suerte!

Daniela Sanchez

¡Hola! Soy Daniela Sanchez, I've been studying Spanish professionally as well as teaching it in Mexico and online for over 10 years. I’ve taught Spanish to a wide array of foreigners from many backgrounds. Over the years, I've made it my mission to work hard on refining many challenging to understand grammar topics to make my students' learning experiences easier, faster and more enjoyable. Read More About Me

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52 Spanish Essay Phrases for Your AP Exam

In order to do well on the AP Spanish exam’s   free-response  section, you must be able to write a persuasive essay based on three Spanish-language sources.

Here we’ve put together a list of 52 vocabulary words and essays phrases that will come in handy for making and supporting arguments in your AP Spanish essays.

Handy Essay Phrases for Writing a Strong Spanish AP Composition

Starting your essay, agreeing and disagreeing, stating an opinion, supporting an opinion, contrasting (or comparing), transitional phrases, changing topics, concluding your essay, how to prepare for the ap spanish essay, what are the details of the ap spanish essay, and one more thing….

Download: This blog post is available as a convenient and portable PDF that you can take anywhere. Click here to get a copy. (Download)

Para empezar – To begin with

Hoy en día – Nowadays…

Hoy en día, las personas están en Internet hasta ocho horas por día. (Nowadays, people are on the Internet up to eight hours per day.)

A manera de introducción – We can start by saying…

Como punto de partida – As a starting point

Al principio – At the beginning… 

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En primer lugar  – To start… 

Empecemos por considerar – Let’s begin by considering…

Estoy de acuerdo/No estoy de acuerdo — I agree/I disagree

Estoy de acuerdo con lo que dice el autor. (I agree with what the author says.)

No estoy de acuerdo con la idea principal de la fuente número dos . (I disagree with the main idea of source number two.)

En mi opinión — In my opinion

En mi opinión, los jóvenes deberían comer más sano. (In my opinion, young people should eat healthier.)

La verdad es   — The truth is

La verdad es que todavía hay mucha desigualdad en los Estados Unidos . (The truth is there is still a lot of inequality in the United States.)

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Es verdad  — It’s true

Es verdad que las redes sociales pueden ser peligrosas . (It’s true that social media can be dangerous.)

Es falso   —   It’s false

Hay gente que dice que las redes sociales son peligrosas, pero esto es falso . (There are people who say that social media is dangerous, but this is false.)

Me parece/No me parece   —   It seems to me/It doesn’t seem to me

Me parece bien que los niños asistan a colegios bilingües . (I think it’s a good idea that children attend bilingual schools.)

No me parece bien que los niños asistan a colegios bilingües . (I don’t think it’s a good idea that children attend bilingual schools.)

Remember that since me parece implies an opinion or emotion, you must conjugate the verb in the subjunctive tense.

(Yo) pienso que   —   I think that

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Yo pienso que no hay nada más importante que la familia . (I think that there is nothing more important than family.)

(Yo) creo que  — I believe that

Yo creo que todos los adolescentes deberían aprender a tocar un instrumento . (I believe that all adolescents should learn to play an instrument.)

The following phrases all have the same structure: Es  + adjective +  que .

This structure is similar to the English “It’s [adjective] that…” and is great for expressing and supporting opinions in a strong and confident manner. Here are some phrases that are especially useful when making and defending claims in a persuasive essay:

Es evidente que   —   It’s evident that

Es claro que   —   It’s clear that

Es cierto que  —   It’s certain that

Es obvio que   — It’s obvious that

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Es importante que  — It’s important that

Es necesario que   — It’s necessary that

Es probable que   —   It’s probable that

Es dudoso que  — It’s doubtful that

For some of these phrases, the verb following the word que must be conjugated in the indicative, while others require the subjunctive . A good rule of thumb is that when implying that something is certain, use the indicative. When expressing doubt or expressing some other emotion, use the subjunctive.

On this list, evidente, claro, cierto  and obvio use indicative verbs, and importante, necesario, probable  and dudoso use subjunctive verbs.

Es cierto que nuestro clima está cambiando . (It is certain that our climate is changing.)

Es importante que la gente sepa hablar más de un idioma . (It’s important that people know how to speak more than one language.)

These words will help you refer to your three sources, which contain information that will help you support your argument. This section also contains transition words to connect one part of your argument to the next.

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Según   — According to  

Según el autor… (according to the author…)

La fuente  —   The source

Según la fuente numero 1… (According to source number one…)

El tema   —   The theme/topic

Esto es un tema muy importante. (This is a very important topic.)

Mostrar   —   To show

La fuente muestra la importancia de la diversidad. (The source shows the importance of diversity.)

Remember, mostrar is an o-ue stem-changing verb—pay attention to conjugation!

Demostrar   —   To demonstrate

La tabla demuestra que muchos jóvenes en España juegan al fútbol. (The table demonstrates that many youths in Spain play football.)

Demostrar is also an o-ue stem changing verb. Luckily for you, it follows the exact same conjugation rules as mostrar !

Indicar   —   To indicate

La tabla indica que hay muchas familias pobres en ese barrio. (The table indicates that there are many poor families in that neighborhood.)

Apoyar   —   To support

Estos datos apoyan la idea de que el clima está cambiando. (This data supports the idea that the climate is changing)

Sin duda   — Without a doubt

Sin duda, el cambio climático es el problema más grave que enfrenta nuestra planeta. (Without a doubt, climate change is the most serious problem that our planet faces.)

Por otra parte   — On the other hand

Es importante que la economía crezca, pero por otra parte, tenemos que cuidar el medio ambiente. (It’s important that the economy grows, but on the other hand, we have to care for the environment.)

Aunque   — Even though/Although

Aunque is followed by an indicative verb when the outcome is known, but a subjunctive verb when the outcome is speculative.

Aunque cuesta mucho dinero, tenemos que buscar una solución. (Even though it costs a lot of money, we have to search for a solution.)

Aunque cueste mucho dinero, tenemos que buscar una solución . (Even though it may cost a lot of money, we have to search for a solution.)

Al igual que  —   Just like

Al igual que en los años 40, hoy en día hay mucha gente que no quiere ayudar a los refugiados de guerra . (Just like in the 40s, today there are many people who don’t want to help war refugees.)

Tanto… como… — … as well as…

Fill in this phrase with two nouns to emphasize that you’re talking equally about two different things.

Tanto chicos como chicas deberían aprender a cocinar, limpiar, coser y cuidar a los bebés. (Boys as well as girls ought to learn how to cook, clean, sew and care for babies.)  

Sino   —   But rather

Remember that Spanish has two translations for the English word “but.” The word sino is like the English phrase “but rather,” used to introduce an alternative.

En comparación  —   In comparison

En comparación, la fuente número 2 indica que hay más obesidad en Estados Unidos que en España . (In comparison, source number 2 indicates that there is more obesity in the United States than in Spain.)

Leer no es una pérdida de tiempo, sino una manera de aprender y de conocer otras culturas . (Reading isn’t a waste of time, but rather a way to learn and understand other cultures.)

Además  — Additionally

This word is usually seen at the beginning of a sentence, and it’s useful for transitioning from one idea or argument to another.

Además, es evidente que la tecnología nos ayuda mucho. (Additionally, it’s evident that technology helps us a lot.)

Sin embargo   —   However

This is another good transition word. In your essay, you may want to present an alternate argument and then explain why you disagree with it. Sin embargo is very helpful for this.

Obviamente, estudiar es muy importante. Sin embargo, es necesario que los adolescentes tengan tiempo para jugar con sus amigos . (Obviously, studying is very important. However, it’s necessary that teenagers have time to play with their friends.)

Por lo cual   —   For this reason/That’s why/Which is why

This phrase is used in the middle of a sentence to connect ideas.

La Amazonía tiene un alto nivel de biodiversidad, por lo cual la conservación de esta región debe ser una prioridad.  (The Amazon has a high level of biodiversity, which is why the conservation of this region must be a priority.)

Sobre un tema relacionado — On a related topic

Sobre un tema relacionado con la inteligencia artificial, se están llevando a cabo investigaciones para mejorar la capacidad de aprendizaje de los algoritmos de machine learning.  (Regarding a topic related to artificial intelligence, research is being conducted to enhance the learning capacity of machine learning algorithms.)

Cuando se trata de –  When it comes to

Relacionado con esta idea — Related to this idea

Una idea similar es — A similar idea is

Una idea similar es utilizar la realidad virtual como herramienta educativa para mejorar la experiencia de aprendizaje de los estudiantes. (A similar idea is to use virtual reality as an educational tool to enhance the learning experience of students.)

Ahora estoy pasando a  — Now moving onto

In your final paragraph, you’ll want to provide a summary of your main argument and your main supporting points. You can use the following helpful phrases:

En conclusión   —   In conclusion

En resumen   —   In summary

En fin   —   Finally

En conclusión,/En resumen,/En fin, las tres fuentes muestran que la contaminación del aire es un problema muy grave para todo el mundo . (In summary, the three sources show that air pollution is a very serious problem for the whole world.)

After summarizing your essay, you’ll want to restate your main argument in a succinct, strongly-worded sentence. Start with these phrases:

Por estas razones   —   For these reasons

Por eso  — That is why

Así que   —   Therefore

Entonces  — So

Por estas razones,/Por eso,/Así que/Entonces, afirmo que los adolescentes no deberían usar las redes sociales. (For these reasons, I affirm that teenagers should not use social media.)

In many ways, preparing for the free-response section is the same as preparing for the rest of the AP exam.

It involves studying grammar and vocabulary, and it also means immersing yourself in the Spanish language as much as possible.

There are also some targeted ways to practice for the free-response section.

• Do practice exams and read sample essays. The College Board  has posted the full AP exams from the last several years. Try to read the sources and write the essay in the allotted 55 minutes. When you’re done, go back and slowly revise your essay for errors in grammar, spelling and logic. After that, you can also check out the grading rubric provided by the College Board and several sample persuasive essays . Try to compare your essay against the rubric and the samples to see how you can improve your writing.
• Practice summarizing and analyzing Spanish-language sources. Remember all those great resources listed above? Well, it’s not enough to just read or listen to them. The whole point of the presentational essay is to measure your ability to summarize, synthesize and argue. So, after you read or listen to a Spanish-language source, take five minutes to summarize it—on paper. Identify the main argument, and then make a bulleted list of important points. Finally, write a few sentences summarizing your personal opinion.
• Learn targeted vocabulary for talking about opinions and arguments. Is there anything more frustrating than knowing exactly what you want to say, but not having the vocabulary to say it? This article lists many crucial vocabulary words for expressing and supporting opinions in persuasive essays. Using these words and phrases will help make your writing flow more smoothly, and allow you to argue with more credibility.

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You can also find some great info on great news outlets , podcasts , YouTube channels  and blogs —all in Spanish. Even following some Spanish Twitter feeds or listening to Spanish music can be a great way to work a little language practice into your day.

The free-response section of the exam is meant to test your ability to communicate with others in spoken and written Spanish.

There are two essays in the free-response section. The interpersonal essay asks you to respond to an email. The presentational essay  tests how well you can draw information from Spanish-language sources, form an argument and write formally. This second essay is a little less straightforward, so we’ll walk you through it here.

So, how does it work?

The presentational essay is based on three sources . Two of them are written sources and one is an audio source.

These sources can be just about anything: Advertisements, articles, infographics, letters, maps, interviews, radio programs, podcasts and conversations are just some examples of the types of sources you may encounter.

You’ll have about 55 minutes to complete this particular essay. First, you’ll have six minutes to read the prompt and the two written sources, and then you’ll hear the audio source twice. Finally, you’ll have 40 minutes to plan and write your essay.

The essay is graded on the basis of Spanish language skills like reading, listening, writing and grammar—but it’s also based on your general ability to analyze the sources and make a strong, coherent argument.

Of course, learning vocabulary and essay phrases is just one way to prepare for the free-response section.

Remember to expose yourself to as many Spanish-language sources as you can before test day, and don’t forget to think critically about those sources as you read them!

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Spanish Essay Phrases: 40 Useful Phrases for an Impressive Writeup

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May 30, 2019

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Do you need to write a lot of essays in Spanish? If you do, don’t worry. It's about to get a little bit easier for you because here in this article, we’ve listed many useful Spanish essay phrases that you can readily use in your essays.

Feel free to pepper your essays with the words and expressions from this list. It would certainly elevate your essays and impress your teachers. You're welcome!

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No time to read now? Then you might opt to get the list in PDF instead. If you sign up to the newsletter, you'll get the list of Spanish essay phrases in PDF format plus free audio files. 

Spanish Essay Phrases

Additional Resources

You can also check out the following resources:

84 Spanish Expressions for Agreeing and Disagreeing

Common Spanish Verbs

Expresiones útiles para escribir en español

Looking for more Spanish phrases? Check out this e-book with audio!

Try to use the essay phrases in Spanish that you learned in this lesson and write a few example sentences in the comments section!

About the author 

Janey is a fan of different languages and studied Spanish, German, Mandarin, and Japanese in college. She has now added French into the mix, though English will always be her first love. She loves reading anything (including product labels).

VERY VERY useful !! Gracias

Amazing! This will definitely help me in tomorrow’s spanish test 🙂

Sounds good

Thanks for the assistance, in learning Spanish.

Amazing article! Very helpful! Also, this website is great for Spanish Beginners.

It’s easy when you put it that way

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The Essential Guide to Spanish Linking Words

What are Spanish linking words? 

Well, they simply make you sound better, both in speech and in writing. 

Your sentences flow naturally, and your ideas logically build on each other. 

Sparkle your essay with a couple of good linking words in Spanish and you’ll surely get an A.

Let’s take a closer look at Spanish linking words, different types that exist, and how to use them in a sentence. 

Spanish Linking Words

Spanish linking words, also called connective words, are words and phrases you use to connect ideas in a piece of writing. We connect phrases and clauses within a sentence and sentences and paragraphs when writing, for example, an essay.

Two types of linking words exist:

Conjunctions

• Transition words

Conjunctions connect ideas within clauses and sentences, meanwhile transition words connect sentences and paragraphs. 

Keep reading as we cover the following details about Spanish connecting words:

• how and when to use them
• rules of linking in Spanish
• list of useful linking words in Spanish, organized by function

Conjunctions connect words, clauses, phrases, and sentences. These Spanish linking words can be single words or two or more words that form conjunctive expressions. In Spanish, there are two main conjunction groups: 

• Coordinating conjunctions
• Subordinating conjunctions

Coordinating Conjunctions

Coordinating conjunctions connect words, phrases, clauses, and sentences of equal value. You can separate them, and they can exist individually.

Coordinating conjunctions have one of the following functions:

• express addition: y (and)
• give an alternative: o (or)
• express contrast: pero (but)

You can find a full list of coordinating conjunctions at the end of this post (with translation!), but let’s have a look at some sample sentences with coordinating conjunctions.

Me encanta tu personalidad y tu sonrisa. I love your personality and your smile.

Puedes leer el libro o ver la tele. You can read a book or watch TV.

La busqué pero no la encontré. I looked for it but could not find it.

To learn more about coordinating conjunctions, check out the following articles. You can also complete a quiz and try some Spanish connectors exercises!

• 9 Coordinating Conjunctions in Spanish Essential to Know
• The Ultimate Guide to Using ‘And’ in Spanish  
• What’s the Difference Between Pero and Sino?

Subordinating Conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions are a type of Spanish linking words that introduce subordinate clauses. These clauses cannot exist by themselves, and they depend on the main clause. The tricky part about subordinating clauses is whether to use the indicative or subjunctive mood, which is determined by the linking word you use.

There are 9 types of subordinating conjunctions. As I mentioned before, there’s a full list of them at the end of this post with information about what mood should be used, but let’s have a quick look at some of the Spanish linking words in each of these groups.

1. Causal Conjunctions

These connective words introduce a clause with a reason or cause of the action in the main clause. They translate to “because,” “since,” or “as.” For example, como :

Como a Pedro no le gusta caminar, siempre viaja en carro. Since Pedro doesn’t like walking, he always travels by car.

2. Conjunctions of Comparison

These Spanish linking words compare information in two clauses. For example, como si (as if):

Hace flexiones como si fuera un gran atleta. He does push-ups as if he was a great athlete.

3. Relative Conjunctions

Relative conjunctions, such as si or que translate to “if” or “that” in English.

No sé si lo puedo terminar a tiempo. I don’t know if I can finish it on time.

4. Conjunctions of Concession

These Spanish linking words introduce information that contradicts the main clause. For example, aun cuando (although, even though).

Él trabaja mucho aun cuando está de vacaciones. He works a lot, even when he’s on vacation.

5. Conjunctions of Result

Do you want to introduce the effect or consequences of the action in the main clause? Conjunctions of result are for these. For example, de modo que (that):

Hay que hacerlo de modo que sea seguro para todos. It must be done in a way that is safe for everyone.

6. Conjunctions of Condition

Si (if), siempre y cuando (as long as) are examples of linking words used in conditional sentences.

Lo haré, siempre y cuando me devuelva el dinero. I will, as long as I get my money back.

7. Conjunctions of Purpose

If you want to talk about intentions or goals of the verbs from the main clause, use linking words such as para que (so that)

Te lo dije para que lo hicieras tú sola. I told you so that you do it yourself.

8. Illative Conjunctions

Illative conjunctions introduce something that can be inferred from the main clause. In English, it’s “therefore” for example, and in Spanish luego.

Pienso, luego existo. I think, therefore I exist.

9. Conjunctions of Time

These conjunctions determine the time period of the action in the main clause. For example mientras (while):

Mientras corres, puedes escuchar música. While you’re running, you can listen to music.

To learn more about subordinating conjunctions, check out:

• 9 Types of Subordinating Conjunctions in Spanish That Will Supercharge Your Fluency
• The Ultimate Guide to ‘Even Though’ in Spanish

Transition Words

Transition words connect ideas between sentences and they give a natural flow to your speech or writing. These are so-called “Spanish essay linking words” because they help to transition your ideas in a smooth way in any text.

Transition words are sometimes the same conjunctions you use to link ideas within a sentence but you have a sea of other possibilities. Depending on your purpose, you can use transition words from one of the eight groups: 

• Explanation

See the full list of transition words from each of the above categories at the end of this post, but first, let’s see how they look in a text.

Primero, quiero contarte una historia. Allá voy, espera. Además, te quiero contar una historia que nadie antes haya oído. Es decir, vas a ser el único en saberlo. Así que, presta atención, sobre todo cuando mencione algunas fechas. Aunque, si quieres, la puedes contar después a tus propios hijos. Al fin y al cabo, esta historia ya será tuya.

First, I want to tell you a story. Here I go, wait. Also, I want to tell you a story that no one has heard before. I mean, you’ll be the only one to know it. So pay attention, especially when I mention some dates. Although if you want, you can tell it later to your own children. After all, this story will already be yours.

Learn more: 50 Useful Transition Words in Spanish for Everyday Speech and Writing

A List of Spanish Linking Words

Here’s a handy list of Spanish linking words in one single place! 

Download the PDF and take it with you while writing essays—you’ll amaze your Spanish teacher!

Download the Spanish Linking Words Cheat Sheet!

Type in your name and email below! We’ll immediately send the Spanish Linking Words cheat sheet to your inbox!

Spanish Linking Words Chart

Después de Todo

Now that you know all types of Spanish linking words it’s time to check how they feel in a speech. Sign up today for a free class to practice your conversational skills with one of our friendly, native Spanish-speaking teachers from Guatemala. They can give you more tips on how to improve your oral and writing skills supercharged now by Spanish connective words.

Ready to learn more Spanish grammar? Check these out!

• 20 Most Common Subjunctive Triggers in Spanish
• 23 Common Spanish Prepositions You Can Use Today
• 25 Common Subjunctive Phrases in Spanish Conversation
• What Is an Infinitive in Spanish?
• A Complete Guide to Imperfect Conjugation for Beginners
• How to Talk About the Temperature in Spanish: Fahrenheit, Celcius, and Descriptions
• A Complete Guide to Preterite Conjugation for Beginners
• Spanish Words with Multiple Meanings in Latin America
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Step-By-Step Guide to Using Transition Words in Spanish

Spanish transition words are necessary to connect sentences and, therefore, ideas. Use them to organize your speech and sound more natural.

Written or spoken, a sentence must sound clean. Whether you desire to contrast information or add a new perspective to nourish the speech, transition words need to be used.

Spanish transition words help the language user provide a different style to the sentences and this is unique to every person.

In this article, you are going to find a list of the Spanish transition words you will most likely listen to in conversations or read, maybe the case be.

Why are Spanish transition words important?

It’s completely natural to start building quick sentences when we are learning a new language . Those sentences usually go with a subject, a verb, and a short complement.

However, after properly learning some grammar rules, and acquiring more and more vocabulary , you should be able to start building complex phrases. You can’t talk about your routine separate by dots like this:

“I woke up and took a shower. I ate breakfast. I went to the park to exercise.”

As was said before, this is entirely natural at the beginning of the learning trip . The thing here is, as English is your mother tongue, you won’t express the sentence that way.

The goal would be to use similar expressions to link those ideas not to sound like a robot in Spanish. Hence:

“After waking up, I took a quick shower. Then, I ate breakfast, I was hungry! After that, I went to the park for some exercise. Finally, I came back home to start working.”

That paragraph is not the summit of the amusement but people reading it or listening to it will be a lot more interested than with the first one thanks to the transition words.

How many Types of Spanish transition words are there

In Spanish, we have 8 types of transition words: 

• Spanish transition words for time.
• Spanish transition words for place.
• Spanish transition words to add an idea.
• Spanish transition words to explain an idea.
• Spanish transition words to compare and contrast ideas.
• Spanish transition words to show a result.
• Spanish transition words to emphasize an idea.
• Spanish transition words to summarize.

Let’s take a look at each one with the translation and some examples. That way, you will be able to place them in similar real-life situations.

Also, information is added by means of a description so you can understand its usage.

Spanish transition words for time

Ya / todavía: now / already / still.

Spanish native speakers would always use these two even when it’s not necessary. Actually, ya has become a very common filler in this language.

• ¿ Todavía estás usando la computadora? – Are you still using the computer?
• Te lo voy a decir ahora si no te lo había dicho ya . – I’m going to tell you now if I hadn’t already told you

Todavía no: not yet

Following the previous transitions but in a negative way…

• ¡No, todavía no abras la puerta! – No, do not open the door yet!

Ya no: not anymore

Sentences containing these first types of transitional words are quite popular in Spanish.

• Ya no quiero hablar contigo. – I no longer want to talk to you.
• Tu opinión ya no es relevante. – Your opinion is not relevant anymore.

Primero / en primer lugar: first / first of all / firstly

The ideas to be expressed will be enumerated by using ordinal numbers .

• Primero , yo no dije eso. Segundo , no deberías estar aquí. Y tercero , ¿por qué le dirías a la gente sobre esto? – First, I didn’t say that. Second, you shouldn’t be here. And third, why would you tell people about this?

Luego / más tarde / después: later / then

You might be wondering how to use a word with three different meanings, but let’s not take things that far, yet. Luego and después are basically the same, they both talk about something occurring after another event.

Más tarde , on the other hand, refers to an action occurring after another without the sense of continuity the previous ones have. Instead, this one says the next action is taking place further in the future .

For example:

• Esperaremos a los niños para luego salir. – We’ll wait for the kids to then go out.
• Voy a pensarlo y te diré más tarde . – I’m going to think about it and I’ll tell you later. 

Learning Spanish you will find that building a phrase with these words is actually pretty simple. 

If you want to go further, there are synonyms available:

• Para empezar: to start / for starters / to begin with.
• En primer lugar: in the first place / firstly.
• En segundo lugar: in second place / secondly.
• Inicialmente: initially.
• Próximo: next.
• Antes de: before.
• Después de: after.
• Para concluir / para finalizar / finalmente: finally / to conclude.
• Por último: lastly.

Spanish transition words for time is the longest category as the employed words possess many synonyms.

Memorizing the ones you like better will help you focus and not be looking for another word. Aside from the types that we have already covered, there are some other transitions that express time differently.

Mientras / mientras tanto: while / as long as / in the meantime / meanwhile

• Quédate junto a mí mientras esperamos. – Stay next to me while we wait. 
• Mientras seas la siguiente, no seré el último. – As long as you’re next, I won’t be the last one. 
• Mientras tanto , yo escribía la última palabra. – Meanwhile, I was writing the last word.

Cuando: when

• Entreguen sus trabajos cuando estén listos para corregirlos aquí. – Hand over the papers when you’re ready to grade them here.

Durante: during / over

• Hubo muchas protestas durante la transición política. – There were a lot of protests during the political transition.

En cuanto / tan pronto como: once / as soon as

• En cuanto aprenda español, hablaré bien con mis amigos. – Once I learn Spanish, I’ll talk well with my friends.

Spanish transition words for place

Not many can be found under the label of transition words when talking about the place.

Sobre / por encima: on / above

The first one refers to the position in which you are stepping on something and, with the second one, you express you are over with something or you don’t care.

• Ellos necesitan empezar a hablar sobre el calentamiento global. – They need to start talking about global warming.
• Ellas hablaron del calentamiento global por encima . – They barely talked about global warming during the conference.

Enfrente de / delante: facing / in front of

These two are different when the physical position is relevant and we must be specific. When we use these two as transitional words, it makes no difference if you choose one or the other.

• Vamos a caminar al parque que está enfrente . – Let’s walk to the park across the street.
• Ella no dirá que no si está delante del problema. – She won’t say no if she’s in front of the problem.

Spanish transition words to add an idea

It’s well-known that y in Spanish translates to and in English.

It’s any Spanish-language starter’s favorite conjunction. But, did you know it’s considered a coordinating conjunction because it connects two sentences within the same category? For example:

• Encendí la luz y me puse a trabajar. – I turned the light on and started to work.

Por un lado / por otro lado: on one hand / on the other hand

Por una parte… por otra parte can be used in Spanish with the same meaning.

• Por un lado , nuestros niños pueden correr libremente en el parque. Por otro lado , se pueden lastimar. – On one hand, our kids can run freely in the park. On the other hand, they can get hurt.

Asimismo / igualmente / del mismo modo / de la misma manera: also / likewise / furthermore

Use these to add new information to something we already knew which was expressed in the previous sentence.

• Este será nuestro último examen. Asimismo , es requerido que cada uno de ustedes pase para que el resto sea aprobado. – This will be our last test of the term. Also, it’s required that each of you passes so the rest is approved.

Asimismo must not be confused with a sí mismo (to oneself) or así mismo (in the same way).

Además / además de: in addition / in addition to / furthermore / moreover / besides

• Además de Google, ¿Qué otros motores de búsqueda usas? – Besides Google, what other search engines do you use? 
• Katherine es linda; además , ella es muy inteligente. – Katherine is cute; moreover, she’s very smart.

También: as well / also / too

• Yo también quiero salir a jugar. – I want to go out and play as well.
• No me gusta esta camisa. También , mis pantalones son demasiado cortos. – I don’t like this shirt. Also, my pants are too short.

Spanish transition words to explain an idea

Es decir / esto es / quiere decir: that is / i.e. / that is to say.

These expressions will help you use other words to express something you said.

• Lo despidieron, quiere decir que no podrá venir con nosotros. – He got fired, that is, he won’t be able to come with us.

Como: like / as / since

Three different meanings in English again. Depending on the position como occupies in the sentence, the meaning will differ.

• Ámame como yo te amo. – Love me as I love you.

“Like” would be the same there if we replaced it.

• Como llegaron temprano, agarraron los mejores puestos. – Since you got there early, you got the best places.

Entre ellos / entre otros: among them / among others / among other things

• Tengo muchos amigos, entre ellos , los de mi infancia. – I have a lot of friends, among them, my childhood ones. 
• Entre otras cosas , el deporte es lo que amo. – Among other things, sports is what I love.

Por ejemplo: for example / for instance

The favorite transitional phrase for beginners in this category since its purpose is pretty straightforward. Use it to add an explanation by means of a more illustrative phrase.

• Para comer sanamente debes ser responsable. Por ejemplo , el alcohol no está permitido. – To eat healthily you have to be responsible. For instance, alcohol is not allowed.

Así: thus / thereby

• Duerman temprano, así , descansarán más. – Sleep early, thus, you’ll rest more.

Spanish transition words to compare and contrast ideas

Every category has a favorite word or phrase. This time, “but”.

• Voy a las 7, pero de la mañana no de la tarde. – I’m coming at 7 but in the morning not in the evening.

A pesar de: despite / in spite of

It adds a contrasting idea in a more polite way. Use it with a noun or an infinitive.

• A pesar del calor, ellos siguieron trabajando. – In spite of the heat, they kept on working. 
• A pesar de correr tan rápido, perdió. – Despite running so fast, he lost.

Al contrario / contrariamente / por el contrario: on the contrary / as opposed to / contrary to

• No me dijiste la verdad, al contrario , seguiste mintiendo todo el tiempo. – You didn’t tell me the truth, on the contrary, you kept lying the whole time. 
• Contrariamente a lo que se creía, esas teorías resultaron acertadas. – Contrary to what it was believed, those theories were right.

You can add some nuance to your regular pero transition with sino .

Be careful, you can also find si no in Spanish which has a totally different meaning. Si no is used for conditionals in Spanish . In English, its equivalent would be “if”.

• No eran pocos, sino muchos amigos. – They were not a few but a lot of friends.

Sin embargo: however / nevertheless

A fine transition phrase to start improving your Spanish.

• Yo quería responder, sin embargo , no encontré las palabras adecuadas . – I wanted to respond, however, I couldn’t find the right words.

No obstante: However / nevertheless

This Spanish transition is not distinct from the latter in meaning, only in terms of politeness. No obstante is a formal expression.

• Ellas hicieron promesas. No obstante , ellas nunca las cumplieron. – They made promises. Nevertheless, they never fulfilled them.

Aunque: although / while / even though / even if

Common transition word in Spanish with a lot of equivalent words in English. We know these are the words and phrases that give you headaches but no worries, it’s simpler than it looks.

• Aunque haga frío, no necesito usar un abrigo así como tú. – Although it’s cold, I don’t need to wear a sweater just like you

Spanish transition words to show a result

In this kind of transition, we’ll find more words together to provide a specific meaning.

Por esta razón: for this reason

• El conductor del programa fue muy ofensivo con los invitados, por esta razón ellos se retiraron antes de tiempo. – The host of the program was very offensive to the guests, which is why they left early.  

Por consiguiente / por lo tanto: therefore / thus

More formal than the first one, this Spanish transition phrase is also used to convey the outcome.

• Estudié todos los tipos posibles de verbos reflexivos en Español. Por lo tanto , estoy listo para el examen. – I studied all possible types of reflexive verbs in Spanish. Therefore, I am ready for the exam.

Por lo tanto is in the middle between formality and informality. People like using it a lot.

Como resultado: as a result

• Tuve un accidente, y como resultado , perdí mi carro. – I had an accident. As a result, I lost my car.

En consecuencia / a consecuencia de: as a consequence / as a result of / because of

• En consecuencia , por no seguir las reglas, fueron expulsados. – As a consequence of not following the rules, they got expelled. 
• Las calles se inundaron a consecuencia del aguacero. – The streets flooded as a result of the heavy rain.

Por eso / Por esto: Therefore / for this reason / that’s why

In Spanish, these two are informal. Use this transition often to add naturality to your sentences.

• Son las mismas camas, por eso tienen el mismo precio. – They are the same beds, that’s why they have the same price.

Así que / de modo que: so

A phrase with these words is simple, and beginners widely use it. 

• Me faltó una palabra de la lección de inglés, de modo que no completé la frase. – I missed a word from the English lesson so I didn’t complete the phrase.

Spanish transition words to emphasize an idea

Add these Spanish transition words and phrases every time you can. There is almost no difference in the formality level for the following phrases.

Sobre todo / especialmente: particularly / especially / above all / mainly

• Esas palabras de transición en español no son difíciles, sobre todo las de énfasis. – Those Spanish transition words are not difficult, particularly the emphasis ones. 
• No quiero estudiar la misma lección sobre todo . – I don’t want to study the same lesson above all. 
• El tiempo vuela especialmente cuando juego. – Time flies especially when I play.

Principalmente: especially / particularly / mainly

The idea for this Spanish transition is to demonstrate we have other options yet we are choosing one in specific.

Even when sobre todo and principalmente use the same words in English, they have that small difference in Spanish. These types of differences are quite common and practicing will help you tell them apart.

• He usado todas mis faldas muchas veces, principalmente las negras. – I’ve used all my skirts many times, mainly the black ones.

Efectivamente / realmente: effectively / actually / really / truly

Used at the beginning or at the end of the phrase. For example:

• Esa oración es efectivamente correcta. – That sentence is effectively correct. 
• No estoy seguro de si ellos me van a ayudar realmente . – I’m not sure if they are really going to help me.

De hecho: in fact / indeed / as a matter of fact

• Para aprender no es necesario ser un genio. De hecho , para aprender solo se necesita dedicación. – It isn’t necessary to be a genius to learn. In fact, the only thing you need to learn is dedication.

Spanish transition words to summarize

En otras palabras: in other words

This transition can help you both summarize and give a better explanation.

• En otras palabras , para finalmente encontrar la cura, debemos comprar muchos tipos de químicos. – In other words, to finally find the cure, we must buy many types of chemicals.

Después de todo: after all

• Después de todo , casi terminamos con este artículo sobre transiciones en español. – After all, we’re almost finished with this article about the transitions in Spanish.

En general: in general

• En general , para terminar una idea, usamos este tipo de palabra de transición. – In general, to finish an idea, we use this kind of transition word.

En resumen / para resumir / en síntesis: to sum up / in summary / in short / in a nutshell

• Para resumir , estos tipos de transiciones son muy útiles. – To sum up, these types of transitions are very helpful. 
• En síntesis , para dar la oración final perfecta en una conversación, usa estos tipos de transiciones. – In summary, to provide the perfect ending sentence in a conversation, use these types of transitions

Final Thoughts

In the end, it doesn’t matter which Spanish transition words you choose to use, as long as you do use them, your speech will have a sense of organization.

Needless to say, there is a time for informal and a time for formal transitions. Spanish could be a relaxed, rich language but the formality is something we can’t overlook.

You’re probably itching to start putting some transition words on to use. So go ahead and sign up for a free private class or a 7-day free trial of our group classes so you can practice what you learned!

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Transition Words In Spanish: How To Sound Like a Native Speaker

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Learning the most common transition words in Spanish is a great way to go from speaking in broken, clunky Spanish to sounding more fluid, almost instantly.

Transition words (in any language) help us add more coherence to what we say or write, by linking and connecting our ideas.

In case you still aren’t sure what we mean, below is a list of the most common transition words in Spanish that you will hear in a regular conversation:

• También (also)
• Además (beside)
• De hecho (in fact)
• Sin embargo (nonetheless)
• Antes que nada (first of all)
• Por ejemplo (for example)
• Entonces (so)
• En conclusión (in conclusion)
• Por suerte (luckily)

Here are a couple of examples of these words in action:

• Carlos told me he managed to organize everything. He also  told me that he helped his teammates – Carlos me dijo que logró organizar todo. También  me dijo que ayudó a sus compañeros.
• This month we had good sales,  however , complaints about late deliveries increased. – Este mes tuvimos buenas ventas, sin embargo , aumentaron las quejas por tardanzas en entregas.
• We have to book the ticket before anything else  – Tenemos que reservar el boleto antes que nada
• I wanted to go to the beach,  but  I got sick – Quería ir a la playa,  pero me enfermé
• I was promoted at work,  in fact now I have an assistant – Me ascendieron en el trabajo,  de hecho  ahora tengo una asistente
• My grandfather fell out of bed, but luckily  he’s not hurt – Mi abuelo se cayó de la cama, pero por suerte no está herido

In this post, we will cover a bunch of different transition words in Spanish which will help you reinforce information, give information about time or sequence, contrast ideas and much more.

To talk about a sequence, order or time

• We have to finish the sales report as soon as possible – Hay que terminar el reporte de ventas  tan pronto como  sea posible
• I will  briefly explain what we will do at the festival – Les voy a explicar  brevemente  lo que haremos en el festival
• First of al l, I want to thank you for coming to the meeting – Primeramente  quiero agradecer que hayan venido a la reunión
• Now we will talk about students behavior, then  we’ll talk about their grades – Ahora hablaremos del comportamiento de los alumnos, luego  hablaremos de sus calificaciones
• At the moment  the band was playing, they launched fireworks – Cuando la banda estaba tocando, en ese momento , lanzaron fuegos artificiales

To talk about change or contrast of ideas

• I love traveling on vacation,  although  sometimes I rest more staying at home – Me encanta viajar en vacaciones, aunque  a veces descanso más quedándome en casa
• Despite  having studied, I didn’t do well on the exam – A pesar de  haber estudiado, no me fue bien en el examen
• On the contrary,  I think this advertising campaign is very good – Al contrario , creo que esta campaña publicitaria es muy buena
• They found the restaurant very good, but  not me – A ellos les pareció muy bueno el restaurante, en cambio  a mí no
• I want to go to the movies, but  I don’t have money – Quiero ir al cine, pero  no tengo dinero

To emphasize or add information

• It is not common for children to eat vegetables, they usually  prefer candies – No es común que los niños coman vegetales,  por lo general prefieren los dulces
• This morning I went to the gym and also  to the park to walk  –  Esta mañana fui al Gimnasio y  también  al parque a caminar
• We won first place as a result  of teamwork – Ganamos el primer lugar como resultado del trabajo en equipo
• Without a doubt , a sedentary life is dangerous – Sin duda alguna , una vida sedentaria es peligrosa
• In addition  to having meals included in the hotel, they also  included drinks – En el hotel además  de tener las comidas incluidas, también  incluían las bebidas

To make a comparison

• Indeed, Our product is better than the competition – En efecto , nuestro producto es mejor que el de la competencia
• I don’t like those shoes either , they are just as ugly as the previous ones – Tampoco  me gustan esos zapatos, son igual  de feos que los anteriores
• Like  my brother, we are vegetarians – Al igual que  mi hermano, somos vegetarianos
• We will also  go to the concert – Nosotros  también  iremos al concierto
• She has  another way to cook the roast – Ella tiene otra forma  de cocinar el asado

To give examples

• For example , if you buy the plane ticket now, it will be cheaper – Por ejemplo , si compras el pasaje de avión ahora, será más económico
• Suppose you are shipwrecked on a desert island – Supongamos  que naufragas en una isla desierta
• Let’s look at this example  of how we can reduce the consumption of plastic – Veamos este ejemplo  de cómo podemos reducir el consumo de plástico
• Let’s say  that tomorrow he surprises you with a gift. What would you do? – Digamos que mañana él te sorprende con un regalo. ¿Qué harías?

To talk about causes and effects

• Luckily  we all sign up on time – Por suerte  todos nos inscribimos a tiempo
• Due to  the hurricanes, many homes have disappeared – A causa de  los huracanes, muchas casas han desaparecido
• As a result  of poor diet, I was diagnosed with gastritis – Como resultado de una mala alimentación, me diagnosticaron gastritis
• I am allergic to dairy, therefore  I cannot eat cheese – Soy alérgica a los lácteos,  por lo tanto  no puedo comer queso
• Considering  your great effort, we decided to give you a chance –  En vista de  tu gran esfuerzo, decidimos darte una oportunidad

To conclude an idea

• Finally , we will announce the winner –  Finalmente , anunciaremos al ganador
• Last but not least , I want to thank you for coming – Por último pero no menos importante , quiero dar las gracias por haber venido
• I couldn’t travel the weekend, after all,  I didn’t want to do it either – No pude viajar el fin de semana, al fin y al cabo , tampoco quería hacerlo
• To conclude  the meeting, I would like to hear your opinions – Para concluir  la reunión, me gustaría oír sus opiniones
• To sum up , What can you tell us about your experience in the Amazonia? – Para resumir , ¿Qué podrías decirnos sobre tu experiencia en El Amazonas?

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Spanish Transition Words to Improve Writing

In my last post about how to teach writing in Spanish, I shared tips about the importance of providing templates and examples for your lower-level language students.  This next post will teach you how to use lists of 101 Spanish transition words , to drastically improve student writing.

I don’t know about you, but those short, choppy sentences drive me nuts when I’m correcting essays or presentations.  If only they knew how to use transition words . . . .

When I was a language student writing my own compositions and essays, I was always searching for good transition words to help me write more fluently.  This is something that we were very rarely taught but would have been so helpful.

As a language teacher, I spent so much time teaching my students how to write longer sentences to make their compositions better.  After I got their compositions back, I would write sample sentences on the board and show them how to combine the sentences using a few key transition words.

But why did I wait until after they had failed to show them how to succeed?  That just doesn’t make sense and led to frustration on my part and on their parts!!

To alleviate this writing problem, I created lists of 101   Spanish transition words .

100 Spanish Transition Words

As the years passed, these lists evolved into leveled lists for beginners, intermediate learners, and advanced learners with sample sentences for each one so they could see how each would be used in a sentence.  They look like this.

Levels 1 + 2  get List #1, which includes basic transition words .

I divide my transition words into the following categories:

• Time (first, next, later, 2 days ago, afterward, sometimes, in the morning, at night)
• Adding Additional Information (for example, in addition, normally)
• Combining Short Sentences into Longer Sentences (but, so, also, too, still, however)
• Concluding (finally, in conclusion, lastly, in the end)

Level 3 gets  List #2, more advanced transition words :

• Time (at the beginning, suddenly, at that moment, a little while later)
• Expressing Opinions (in my opinion, according to, in fact, for the most part, therefore)
• Additional Helpful Expressions (at least, instead of, thanks to, without)

Levels 4 + 5  get List #3, college-level transition words :

• Time (back then, nowadays, since, already)
• Expressing Opinions (it’s important that, to a large extent, given that, despite, on one hand)
• Conditions (in order to, so that, provided that, even if)
• Comparing and Contrasting (in contrast to, similar to, different from, the same as)
• Consequences (upon seeing, as a result of, consequently, due to)

These leveled lists are a great way to differentiate within your classroom.  If your more advanced students and high achievers are looking for more, give them a more advanced list.

You’ll be amazed by the progress in their writing, just by incorporating these handy transition words.

You can make these lists in a variety of ways:

• Make your own lists with key transition words.
• Have students keep 2 pages in their notebooks for transition words.  When you come across one in your teaching, have them write down the word, the meaning, and a sample sentence.
• Get ready-made  Spanish   transition word lists to print and hand out for student reference.

Get a free copy of the Level 1 Transition Words in my Free Resource Library.

JOIN THE FREE RESOURCE LIBRARY!

Hope these Spanish transition words tips were helpful.

Be sure to check out the next article in this writing series about the editing process and using rubrics to improve student writing.

Happy Teaching! ~Sherry

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Must-have Spanish Transition Words for Opinion Writing

Are you looking to help your students take their writing to the next level by using Spanish transition words for opinion writing?

Opinion writing is an essential part of language arts instruction, and it becomes even more important for bilingual students who need to develop strong writing skills in two languages. When it comes to Spanish opinion writing, one of the most effective ways to improve the quality of your students’ work is by teaching them how to use transition words.

Transition words are words or phrases that connect ideas and provide coherence to a text. In opinion writing, they help to make the writer’s argument more persuasive by making the flow of ideas more logical and clear. 

So what opinion transition words should you teach to your dual language students?

Your Go-To Spanish Transition Words for Opinion Writing

Primero, primero que nada: first, first of all.

These transition words are used to introduce the first point or argument in an opinion piece. For example, “Primero, creo que es importante reciclar para proteger el medio ambiente” (First, I believe that it is important to recycle to protect the environment).

En segundo lugar: Second

This phrase is used to introduce the second point or argument in an opinion piece. For example, “En segundo lugar, es necesario reducir el uso de plásticos de un solo uso” (Second, it is necessary to reduce the use of single-use plastics).

Por otro lado: On the other hand

This phrase is used to introduce a contrasting point or argument. For example, “Creo que el reciclaje es importante, pero por otro lado, también es importante reducir el consumo de energía” (I believe recycling is important, but on the other hand, it is also important to reduce energy consumption).

Además: Furthermore, Moreover

These transition words are used to add supporting details or arguments. For example, “Además, el reciclaje no solo protege el medio ambiente, sino que también ayuda a conservar los recursos naturales” (Furthermore, recycling not only protects the environment but also helps conserve natural resources).

En conclusión: In conclusion

This phrase is used to signal the end of an opinion piece and summarize the main arguments. For example, “En conclusión, es importante tomar medidas para proteger el medio ambiente, incluyendo el reciclaje y la reducción del consumo de energía y plásticos de un solo uso” (In conclusion, it is important to take measures to protect the environment, including recycling and reducing energy consumption and single-use plastics).

Get your Spanish Transition Words for Opinion Writing for Free!

These are just a few examples of the many Spanish opinion writing transition words that students can use to improve the quality of their writing. You can introduce these transition words to students in the context of a lesson or writing assignment and encourage them to use them in their own writing.

If you’re looking for more, download the free Spanish opinion transition words bookmarks and posters or click the image below.

How do you teach them?

To reinforce the use of these transition words, you can provide sentence frames for students to complete using the transition words. For example, “En primer lugar, creo que ____ porque ____” (First, I believe that ____ because ____). This will help students practice using the transition words in context and develop their own arguments and opinions.

In conclusion, teaching Spanish opinion writing transition words is a valuable strategy to improve your bilingual students’ writing skills. By using these words and phrases, your students can create more persuasive and coherent argumentative texts, which will help them succeed in school and in their future careers.

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Spanish Words to Use in an Essay

Are you writing an essay in Spanish and aren't sure of the best way to start the next paragraph? Or maybe you're trying to think of some connectors to make your essay flow better. Look no further! In this article, we've prepared a list of words that will help you write that Spanish essay without even breaking a sweat.

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Solo in Spain

30 essential spanish transition words and phrases for everyday conversations.

The difference between mastering Spanish vocabulary and grammar and being able to hold a fluid, casual conversation in Spanish is quite vast. That’s because – just like in English – a lot of the nuance and fluidity in a conversation is due just as much to little, seemingly meaningless words as it is to vocabulary and proper verb conjugation.

These little ‘meaningless’ words and phrases are also known as linking words or transition words. As a native English speaker, I had no idea just how important they were until I realized that I had no idea how to say them in my host country’s language. A fact which often left me frustrated and frequently caused me to either: 1) come to a dead stop mid-sentence, or 2) simply insert the English word in place of the Spanish word I didn’t know, leaving whoever was listening to me totally confused or amused.

To spare you and your listeners the same amusing confusion and frustration, I decided to compile a list of 30 essential Spanish words that helped me take my conversations from stilted to fluid.

30 Essential Spanish Transition Words and Phrases

• Aunque – even though, although
• Además – furthermore, in addition to
• Mientras – meanwhile
• Por lo menos – at least
• Entonces – then
• Pues – well
• Como – like, as
• Al principio; al final/por ultimo – to start, in the first place; to finish, in the end
• Desde luego – of course, certainly
• Ya / todavía – yet, already / still
• Asi que; por lo tanto – that’s why; for that reason
• Por si acaso – in case
• Lo/la que sea; donde sea; cuando sea; cualquier – whatever; wherever; whenever; whichever
• Por ejemplo – for example
• Sobre todos – above all, especially
• Por fin – finally
• Un rato, un ratito – A little while
• Luego – next, then
• De repente – suddenly
• Sino – rather, but, instead
• Apenas de – barely
• De todas formas, de todas maneras – in any case
• Por otro lado – on the other hand
• Sin embargo – nonetheless
• De hecho – in fact
• Pues nada, venga – anyway…
• Sabes – y’know
• Es que – honestly, I have no translation for this one, but it’s one of those non-meaning albeit ubiquitous conversational words like ‘like’ in English. As in, “Like, so are we gonna go to the movies, or maybe, like, get some food, cuz I’m, like, hungry as hell.”
• A ver – let’s see
• Qué va – no way! I dun beleevit. Yeah, right.

Of course, the list above isn’t a comprehensive collection of all  Spanish transition words – click here and here for more.

What are some Spanish transition words and phrases that you’ve found useful? Share them in the comments!

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Latin America to play an essential role in the global transition to a more secure and sustainable energy system

News 08 November 2023

With vast resources and strong clean energy credentials, the region has significant potential to drive change at home and abroad, according to the IEA’s first ever in-depth outlook

At a time of rising geopolitical uncertainty and accelerating energy transitions, an extraordinary endowment of energy and mineral resources, as well as a history of clean energy leadership, positions Latin America and the Caribbean to play an increasingly influential role in the global energy sector, according to a new IEA special report.

The Latin America Energy Outlook is the IEA’s first in-depth and comprehensive analysis of the region, covering the full range of fuels and energy technologies across all 33 countries. The report finds that Latin America and the Caribbean’s wealth of resources and experience developing them – from high-quality renewables to oil and gas to critical minerals – could make major contributions to global energy security and clean energy transitions with the right packages of policies, on top of powering the region’s own transition and generating major benefits for local economies after a decade of sluggish growth. The special report draws on substantial input from government officials, experts and stakeholders across Latin America and the Caribbean, building on decades of IEA work on energy and climate issues with the region.

Latin America and the Caribbean already has one of the cleanest electricity sectors in the world, offering bright prospects for future clean energy industries. Renewables, led by hydropower, generate 60% of the region’s electricity, twice the global average, while some of the world’s best wind and solar resources can be found in countries including Brazil, Mexico, Chile and Argentina. Use of bioenergy is widespread across the region, and it is a major exporter of biofuels.

Meanwhile, countries in Latin America and the Caribbean hold about 15% of global oil and natural gas resources. And the region is highly significant for the production of minerals that are essential components in many of today’s rapidly growing clean energy technologies – with around half of global reserves of lithium, and more than a third of copper and silver reserves. The region’s clean electricity supply lays the foundation for the sustainable mining and processing of these materials.

“Latin America and the Caribbean can play an outsize role in the new global energy economy. With incredible natural resources and a longstanding commitment to renewables, countries in the region already have a head start on secure and sustainable transitions to clean energy. Leaning into these transitions would ignite growth in local economies – and put the world’s energy system on a surer footing,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol . “Our report shows that supportive policy making and international cooperation are essential to ensure the region can take full advantage of its remarkable energy potential."

The new Outlook finds a substantial gap in policy implementation. Sixteen of the 33 countries in the region have pledged to reach net zero emissions by mid-century or earlier, and most have presented more ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) tied to the 2015 Paris Agreement. Yet under today’s policy settings, the region is projected to continue using fossil fuels to meet a large share of its energy needs, especially for road transport, while progress on clean energy transitions is set to remain limited.

By comparison, the report finds that if countries’ announced pledges are realised, Latin America and the Caribbean would see renewables meet all new energy demand this decade. This would allow oil exports to rise by nearly 2 million barrels per day by 2030, diversifying global supply and increasing revenues. Competitive renewable resources would also drive the production of low-cost and low-emissions hydrogen, which can help decarbonise heavy industry and freight transport domestically and internationally. Production of biofuels would rise, and long-term revenues from critical minerals would double to nearly USD 200 billion, exceeding those from fossil fuels.

The report identifies four key actions to reduce energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions: ramp up the adoption of renewable energy, advance the electrification of industry and transport, drive energy efficiency to moderate demand growth, and boost access to clean cooking solutions. Notably, accelerating renewables accounts for 40% of the emissions gap between what is projected based on today’s policy settings versus a scenario in which announced pledges are achieved.

Investment in the region must also grow substantially, the report finds. To fulfil pledges, financing for clean energy projects needs to double by 2030 to USD 150 billion and rise fivefold by 2050. In this scenario, the ratio of investment in clean sources to unabated fossil fuels climbs from around 1:1 today to 4:1 in the 2030s. People-centred transitions must also focus on delivering universal access to modern energy at affordable prices, according to the report, with 17 million people in the region lacking access to electricity and 74 million without access to clean cooking supplies.

Beyond tackling CO2 emissions, major producers in the region can reduce methane emissions from oil and gas operations by nearly 80% at low cost, and around 40% with no net costs, supporting the Global Methane Pledge that most countries have signed. Based on announced pledges, emissions from land use and agriculture, which account for half of economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions in the region today, are cut by the end of the decade and reach net zero. About 85% of forests in the region are in countries that are part of the Glasgow Pledge, which aims to stop deforestation by 2030. 

The IEA’s work on energy and climate issues with partners in the region continues to deepen. The IEA family now includes five Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia and Mexico.

“The special report is a milestone in our work with Latin American and Caribbean countries, and we look forward to further regional and bilateral collaboration inspired by its analysis, which lays out a clear pathway for countries to meet their energy objectives,” Dr Birol said. “The IEA stands ready to support governments across the region as they advance their clean energy transitions, building a more secure and fairer global energy system in the process.”

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Spain: EIB Group and Spanish Ministry of Economy sign agreement to implement the Regional Resilience Fund

• Fund to channel Next Generation EU loans to facilitate strategic investments in the Spanish Autonomous Communities.
• The Ministry has asked the Autonomous Communities to appoint representatives to the governing bodies of the various financial instruments to initiate the selection of projects.
• The agreement activates a first financing phase up to €3.4 billion.
• Investments to finance projects in social and affordable housing, urban regeneration, sustainable transport and tourism, energy transition, water and waste management, care sector, research, development and innovation, and industrial and SMEs competitiveness.

The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Enterprise of Spain have signed a framework finance agreement to implement the Regional Resilience Fund (in Spanish Fondo de Resiliencia Autonómica). The Fund, led by the Ministry of the Economy and in which the Autonomous Communities will play a key role in the selection of projects to be financed, will spur environmental, and social investments in the Spanish Autonomous Communities, and will channel financing of the Next Generation EU loans under the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan.

The Fund’s objective is to facilitate access to financing in the Spanish Autonomous Communities using Next Generation EU loans to develop projects in eight priority areas:  social and affordable housing, urban regeneration, sustainable transport and tourism, energy transition, water and waste management, care sector, research, development and innovation, and the competitiveness of industries and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The agreement represents a major milestone in the implementation of the loans of the Spanish Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan. The implementation of the Fund will be coordinated between the Ministry of Economy, the Autonomous Communities, and the EIB Group. The Autonomous Communities will participate in the Fund through the Investment Councils,  governing bodies for each of the financial instruments and responsible for monitoring operations.

As a strategic partner for the management of the Fund, the EIB Group, which has extensive experience in financing sustainable investments in the Autonomous Communities, will provide Spain with its technical, economic and financial expertise to ensure the development of high impact projects.

¨The Regional Resilience Fund is a safety net that will facilitate strategic investment of Next Generation EU loans. The EIB will act as a strategic partner, helping to drive the dual green and digital transition in the Autonomous Communities and the overall competitiveness of the Spanish economy," said EIB Director General, Head of EU Lending and Advisory, Jean Christophe Laloux ,

Today’s signature includes a framework agreement among the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Investment Fund (EIF) and the Kingdom of Spain to launch the Fund. In addition, a first phase of available funding up to €3.4 billion will be activated including:

• a direct facility to co-finance EIB-supported operations in sectors such as renewable energy, clean transport or sustainable infrastructure
• an intermediated facility to be invested by financial intermediaries selected by the EIB, to support urban development and sustainable tourism projects
• two instruments intermediated by the EIF, to be launched in the coming weeks, that will facilitate SME financing in areas such as innovation, sustainability and competitiveness.

The phase approach is a flexible way to adapt finance products to meet market demand and the needs of the Autonomous Communities maximising the impact of the funds.

The EIB Group has a proven record and extensive expertise as implementing partner of EU financing for Member States. Specifically for the Next Generation EU’s loans, the EIB Group is currently an implementing partner for the governments of Greece, Romania and Italy.

In addition, the EIB Group will complement the financing of projects with own resources beyond the Fund itself and will mobilise private investment, having a catalyst effect.

About the EIB Group

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. It finances sound investment contributing to EU policy objectives . EIB projects bolster competitiveness, drive innovation, promote sustainable development, enhance social and territorial cohesion, and support a just and swift transition to climate neutrality.

The European Investment Fund (EIF) is part of the European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group). Its central mission is to support Europe's micro, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) by helping them to access finance. The EIF designs and develops venture and growth capital, guarantees and microfinance instruments that specifically target this market segment. In this role, it contributes to the achievement of key EU policy goals such as competitiveness and growth, innovation and digitalisation, social impact, skills and human capital, climate action and environmental sustainability.

The European Investment Bank Group (EIB Group), consisting of the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the European Investment Fund (EIF), reported total financing signatures in Spain of €11.4 billion in 2023, approximately €6.8 billion of which went to climate action and environmental sustainability projects. Worldwide, the EIB Group signed €88 billion in new financing in 2023.

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As Messi Seeks Another Trophy, Soccer Fears for a Future Without Him

Lionel Messi had said the 2022 World Cup, which his country won, was his last. Will the Copa América soccer tournament be his goodbye?

People watching a soccer match between Argentina and Guatemala at a bar this month in Buenos Aires. Credit...

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By Daniel Politi and James Wagner

Photographs by Sarah Pabst

Daniel Politi reported from Buenos Aires, and James Wagner from Mexico City.

• June 20, 2024

On Thursday in Atlanta, the Argentine national soccer team will kick off the 2024 edition of Copa América, South America’s biggest soccer championship, with a game against Canada. Fans around the world, but especially in Argentina, have been eagerly awaiting this day ever since their beloved squad, led by perhaps the greatest soccer player of all time, won the 2022 World Cup .

But when Lionel Messi, the Argentine captain and superstar, takes the field at Mercedes-Benz Stadium with his teammates as the favorites to defend their 2021 Copa América title, a simmering sadness will follow him.

Will this be the last time that Messi, who turns 37 next week and said two years ago that it was his final World Cup, wears the blue and white Argentine uniform in a major tournament? Will this be the last time one of the most famous humans on Earth, who brought joy to many during unstable times in his homeland, represents his soccer-obsessed country?

“He’s already saying goodbye, with the interviews he’s been giving, it seems like he’s preparing us for it,” said Sergio Colque, 40, an electrician, as he waited to play in a recreational soccer match last weekend in Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina.

Jonathan Icikson, 27, an ambulance dispatcher , was with friends outside a bar last week watching Argentina play against Guatemala in its final tuneup before Copa América. “The sadness, obviously, can’t be measured in words,” he said, “but not all endings are happy. All good things come to an end at some point.”

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