Free Spanish Lesson #6 – No mucho

I’d like to talk about a phrase that Americans, and English speakers in general, usually say incorrectly.

If you use this phrase, you will definitely sound like a Gringo or foreigner. The phrase is “Nada mucho.” Many native English speakers will say “Nada mucho” for “Not much”, this is simply wrong, wrong, wrong!

The problem is that now I’ve told you the phrase you will have a tendency to remember and say it. Don’t! It’s incorrect! – you need to remember the correct phrase “No mucho” [no moo-choh]. Let’s repeat it a few times to help you remember it “No mucho” . . . “No mucho”.

To let you know how funny this incorrect phrase sounds to native Spanish speakers, I’m going to tell you about a TV commercial in the Dominican Republic about 10 years ago. It was a shampoo commercial where an American was shampooing his hair when some Dominicans asked him “What’s happening” or “¿Qué pasa?” [Kay paw-saw].

The American, with a very “Gringo” accent said “Nada mucho.” This was funny for Dominicans not only because he said the phrase with a “Gringo” accent, but because it was also incorrect.

I knew about this commercial because once or twice a day groups of teenage Dominican boys would come up to me and say “Qué pasa” . . . “¿Nada mucho?” They would then all start laughing hysterically.

At first, it would drive me crazy, but then I would go up to them and start talking to them in Spanish. They were amazed that I could speak fluently and correctly and it would quiet them down somewhat, but the next day it would happen all over again.

Let’s give ourselves a good name and reputation as English speakers learning Spanish and instead of saying “Nada mucho,” say “No mucho.” Why don’t you say it one last time to help you remember . . .”No mucho.”

¡Buena suerte! (Good luck!)

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Written by Dave Clark with Try a Free Spanish Lessons

Copyright © 1999-2005 US Institute of Languages All rights reserved.

Andrew Makarik

to@welovecostarica.com

Andrew Makarik is the main editor of WeLoveCostaRica, a fan of this sunny country. He is also a loving husband and a has a lovely daughter. By being a devoted family man and the biggest Costa Rica fan, he wants to make more people feel at home there. WeLoveCostaRica unites people and helps them find new home or a new travel destination. This website is a friendly community where everyone can find not only information, but also new friends and travel pals. Andrew is also passionate about IT and programming, so he himself maintains a friendly atmosphere in this cozy environment of WeLoveCostaRica.com.