Julio Zalaya

Hello! My name is Julio and I am a teacher here at the MaestroMío academy. I am an outgoing, energetic person with a great passion for what I do. Teaching Spanish is something I deeply enjoy. I also love sports, music, and traveling. I hope to see you soon! Academic qualifications: Intermediate Vocational Training as … Read more

José López

I love TV series, movies, and history, and if it’s a historical movie, even more so. I’m a loyal Manchester United fan. In fact, if they win an important game, you’ll probably see me wearing their jersey the next day. I also love sharing random facts. By the way, did you know that penguins have … Read more

Is Spanish the easiest language to learn?

If you’ve ever thought about learning a new language, Spanish has probably crossed your mind. Melodic, expressive and spoken by more than 500 million people worldwide, Spanish has a reputation for being an “easy” language. But how true is that? At MaestroMío we want to tell you why Spanish wins so many students over… and … Read more

How to Use the Gerund Correctly in Spanish

At MaestroMío, our Spanish school, you’ll learn that the gerund is an impersonal verb form used to indicate an action in progress. In Spanish, it ends in -ando (for first conjugation verbs, like hablar → hablando) and -iendo (for second and third conjugation verbs, like comer → comiendo, vivir → viviendo). Despite its frequent use, … Read more

How to use “se” in Spanish correctly

The word “se” is one of the most versatile and confusing words in Spanish, as it has several grammatical uses. Depending on the context, it can function as a reflexive pronoun, impersonal, reflexive passive, among others. Here we explain its most important uses with clear examples.   “Se” reflexive It is used when the subject … Read more

How to Properly Use “Saber” vs “Conocer”

It’s important to note that saber and conocer are not interchangeable. Mixing them up can lead to awkward or confusing situations, as they have very specific uses. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid: Saber (To Know Facts or How to Do Something) When to Use Saber: Facts or Information: Use saber when you know specific facts or pieces … Read more

How to Make Authentic Spanish Sangria

Sangria is more than just a typical drink – it’s a symbol of Spanish summer, friendly gatherings, and enjoying life outdoors. While there are many variations around the world, nothing compares to the original flavor of authentic Spanish sangria. In this article, MaestroMío will guide you step by step through the traditional recipe, using fresh … Read more

How to Form Diminutives in Spanish

Have you ever wondered how diminutives are formed in Spanish and what they reveal about the meaning of words? In our post, we explain clearly and simply how to use diminutives in Spanish, including the most common suffixes and their different nuances. Diminutives in Spanish are suffixes added to words to express smallness, affection, tenderness, … Read more