How to Know when Spanish will BREAK it's Gender rules | Exceptions Explained for Beginners
Beginners Spanish Podcast - Spanglish Friends
05/01/26
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Why is it el problema, but la mano... and sometimes even el agua fría (wait, what?! 😵)?
In Episode 58, Em and Val break down one of the most confusing parts of Spanish for beginners — gender exceptions.
You’ve probably learned the rule: words ending in “a” are feminine and words ending in “o” are masculine... but Spanish doesn’t always follow the rules.
So how do you know when it doesn’t? And more importantly... WHY?
In this episode, we go beyond memorizing exceptions and explain the real reasons behind them — so you can finally understand Spanish, not just remember it.
🎙️In this episode, you’ll:
✅ Learn the basic gender rule (and why it’s only 80% accurate)
✅ Understand why Spanish breaks rules through history and evolution.
✅ Discover Latin-origin words like el problema, el sistema, el tema.
✅ Learn how English loanwords enter Spanish: el email, el marketing, la cookie.
✅ Understand shortened words like la moto, la foto, la tele.
✅ Learn pronunciation-based exceptions like el agua, el alma, el arma.
🎯Reto de la Semana (Challenge of the Week)
Write one Spanish word that confused you because of its gender. Examples: El agua, el problema.
Comment below or DM us — we LOVE seeing what confuses learners so we can help you understand it better💬
💛This week’s shoutout goes to Megan from England for her amazing Spanish introduction and for sharing about her life (and her cat Dee 🐱).
You are officially our first Spanglish Friends pet mention!
📲Instagram & TikTok → @spanglish_friends
📧Contact: spanglishfriendspodcast@gmail.com
📚1-on-1 Spanish lessons with Val: spanishlessonsbyval@gmail.com
🎶Music by @scotairdmusic
Episodio Anterior
Do you know how to say if you get along with someone in Spanish — your sister, your boss, your friends... or even someone you don’t get along with? 👀
In Episode 57, Em and Val teach you how to talk about relationships and personality using one of the most useful beginner Spanish structures: “llevo bien con"
You’ll learn how to say who you get along with, who you don’t, and how to explain why — using simple Spanish you can start using immediately.
🎙️ In this episode, you’ll:
✅ Learn how to ask ‘Do you get along with...? and how to answer!
✅ Learn key vocabulary for people in your life: family, siblings, partner, boss, colleagues.
✅ Learn how to explain WHY you get or don’t get along well with someone.✅
Hear a natural mini conversation you can copy and use in real life
🎯 Reto de la Semana (Challenge of the Week)
Write one sentence in Spanish in about someone in your life. Include:
👉 Who they are, if you get along with them or not and why
Examples:
Me llevo muy bien con mi amiga porque es divertida y amable.
No me llevo bien con mi jefe porque es serio.
Post your sentence in the comments or send us a DM on Instagram — we LOVE seeing your Spanish progress!
💛 This week’s shoutout goes to Neriah for participating in our supermarket challenge and asking “¿Dónde está la sección de frutas y verduras?” Amazing Spanish, gracias for being part of our community!
📲 Instagram & TikTok → @spanglish_friends
📧 Contact: spanglishfriendspodcast@gmail.com
📚 1-on-1 Spanish lessons with Val: spanishlessonsbyval@gmail.com
🎶 Music by @scotairdmusic
Siguiente Episodio
Do you know how to say “Happy Mother’s Day,” “thank you for everything,” or what you’re going to do for your mum... in Spanish? 💐
In Episode 59, Em and Val teach you how to talk about your mum, express love and gratitude, and share your Mother’s Day plans using simple beginner Spanish you can actually use in real life.
You’ll learn how to describe your mum, write a heartfelt card, and use one of the most important beginner structures: “voy a...” (I’m going to)
🎙️ In this episode, you’ll:
✅ Learn how to express love and gratitude
✅ Learn how to describe your mum/mom!
✅ Learn how to write a simple but meaningful Mother’s Day card in Spanish
✅ Learn how to talk about your plans with her
✅ Hear a natural mini conversation you can copy and use
🎯 Reto de la Semana (Challenge of the Week)
Write a short Mother’s Day to your mom or a woman you admire in Spanish.
Include: 👉 A greeting 👉 Something you love about her 👉 And one thing you’re going to do
Example: Feliz Día de la Madre, mamá. Te quiero mucho. ¡Eres muy especial para mí!
Post your sentence in the comments or send us a DM on Instagram, we LOVE seeing your Spanish progress!
💛 Shoutout: This week’s shoutout goes to JD for your kind comment on YouTube: “Me encanta este video” Gracias for being part of our community , we appreciate you!
📲 Instagram & TikTok → @spanglish_friends
📧 Contact: spanglishfriendspodcast@gmail.com
📚 1-on-1 Spanish lessons with Val: spanishlessonsbyval@gmail.com
🎶 Music by @scotairdmusic
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