Some Expressions

Let's learn some useful Spanish expressions.

The expression total, para qué ( literally "total, what for") is used to express hopelessness if you think that something is likely to fail or is unpromising. The phrase is equivalent to the English expression "So, what's the use," as you can see in the following example:

¡Ay! Total para qué... ¡Ya olvídalo!
Oh! So what's the use... Forget it already!

Another interesting expression is tener en cuenta (to keep into account, to keep in mind):

Intentaré hacer todo lo que me has dicho y tener en cuenta tus recomendaciones.

I will try to do everything that you have told me and keep in mind your recommendations.

Captions 56-57, El Aula Azul - La Doctora Consejos - Subjuntivo y condicional
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Here's another example using teniendo (having, keeping) in a more formal context:

Teniendo en cuenta lo anterior, quisiera compartir con ustedes el siguiente mito muisca

Taking into account the foregoing, I would like to share with you the following Muisca myth

Captions 19-20, Aprendiendo con Carlos - América precolombina - El mito de Bachué
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On the contrary, the expression hacer de cuenta, means "to pretend":

Entonces, haz de cuenta están hablando ellos...

So, pretend they are talking...

Caption 16, Amigos D.F. - Consejos para la calle
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As you can see, this expression is frequently used in the imperative mode:

Pero hagamos de cuenta que es profundísimo.

But let's pretend that it is very deep.

Caption 33, Salvando el planeta Palabra - Llegada - Part 8
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Topics Expressions