Spanish · B1 · Everyday language
Describing the way we do things in Spanish
To add detail to your descriptions, you can use prepositions followed by descriptive adjectives and nouns. This helps you explain the 'how' and the 'what' of daily activities more clearly.
What you'll learn
- Learn to describe methods using the preposition 'con' (with).
- Describe materials and sources using 'de' (of/from).
- Ensure adjectives agree in gender and number even when articles are omitted.
Spanish phrases for describing the way we do things
Con ánimo renovado, intento de nuevo la parte difícil.
With fresh courage, I try the difficult part again.
'Ánimo' is masculine, so 'renovado' ends in -o.
Podemos solucionar esto con un buen trabajo en equipo.
We can solve this with good teamwork.
'Buen' is a short form of 'bueno' used before masculine singular nouns.
Con mano firme, puedes dibujar las líneas pequeñas.
With a steady hand, you can draw the tiny lines.
'Mano' is feminine, but 'firme' is gender-neutral.
La bolsa está hecha de tela resistente.
The bag is made from strong fabric.
'Resistente' describes the quality of the material.
Podemos hacer una rampa de cartón grueso.
We can make a ramp from thick cardboard.
'Grueso' agrees with the masculine noun 'cartón'.
Con palabras claras, puedes explicar tu idea.
With clear words, you can explain your idea.
'Palabras claras' shows plural agreement (-as).
La campana suena a intervalos regulares.
The bell rings at regular intervals.
'Intervalos regulares' uses the plural masculine ending -es.
Con pasos pequeños, podemos alcanzar nuestra meta.
With small steps, we can reach our goal.
'Pasos' is masculine plural, so 'pequeños' follows suit.
Hear these phrases and practise them
Tildi plays every phrase out loud, tests you in five-minute lessons and builds them into bedtime stories from your own picture books.
Try it free for 7 daysKey words
ánimo
courage / spirit
Commonly used in Spanish to describe one's drive or mood.
firme
steady / firm
An adjective that ends in -e, meaning it stays the same for both genders.
cartón
cardboard
A common material used in household crafts and projects.
meta
goal / finish line
Can refer to a physical finish line or a personal objective.
Adjective Agreement without Articles
In Spanish, when we use adjectives after prepositions like 'con' or 'de' without an article (the/a), the adjective must still match the noun's gender (masculine/feminine) and number (singular/plural).
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Masculine Singular | -o | Con cartón grueso (With thick cardboard) |
| Feminine Singular | -a | Con mano firme (With a steady hand) |
| Masculine Plural | -os | A intervalos regulares (At regular intervals) |
| Feminine Plural | -as | Con palabras claras (With clear words) |
More examples
Dibujamos con lápices afilados.
We draw with sharp pencils.
Notice the masculine plural agreement.
Corta el papel con tijeras grandes.
Cut the paper with big scissors.
Tijeras is always plural in this context.
El puente es de madera sólida.
The bridge is made of solid wood.
Describes the material directly using 'de'.