We went up and climbed / Subimos y escalamos - 5 minutos de español (English version) + Podcast

 Hello! How are you?

Good morning, good afternoon, or good evening, depending on where you are or what time you're listening.

Escalar

Welcome to podcast episode 265. Thanks for being here. So… what are we going to talk about today? Another verb?

Listen to the Podcast

I think it's important, since many podcast listeners do activities in mountains and hills, to differentiate between the verbs "subir" (to climb) and "escalar" (to ascend).

Perfect, I climb stairs every day, but inside the house, so the verb "subir" has many uses, like climbing the stairs.

Subir una montaña

Example:

Sube el carro con cuidado, por favor - Please get into the car carefully.

First, let's clarify something: going up is not the same as climbing. Going up a hill or a knoll is walking upwards, usually along a path.

Subir un cerro - To hike uphill.

 Subir un cerro - To hike uphill.

 Escalar es más técnico: usas manos, equipo y a veces cuerdas.

Escalar - To climb.

Cuerdas- ropes

Escalar - To climb.

Cuerdas- ropes

That's why, for hills or mountains, we say "subir" (to climb) or "hacer hiking" (to go hiking). In everyday Spanish, we hardly ever use "senderismo" (hiking); here in Mexico, we say "hiking," an Anglicism.

You also hear "trekking" for longer routes.

Climbing is for experts, climbing isn't, of course; you need to be trained, depending on the height of the hill.

Walking is always good, and being in contact with nature is too.

Do you remember that about four years ago we had an advanced Spanish workshop that we called: "Climbing Spanish"?

Yes, of course I remember. The Spanish "walkers," the members of the SpanishUp2U Club who wanted to advance more intensively in Spanish, took this group, and at that time the workshop was called "Climbing Spanish." Nowadays, we call it the advanced Spanish workshop…

Spanish is a challenge! Congratulations to the Spanish walkers at SpanishUp2U, who have been practicing almost daily since 2020!

Let's go outdoors: Let's imagine a dialogue between two walkers.

It's really hot today. Are we really going to climb a hill?

Yes, of course. It's hot, but it's a good day to hike. Let's go slowly.

Okay... but I don't want to climb.

Relax, we're not going to climb. We don't have ropes, we don't climb. We're just going to walk.

Is this a hill or a mountain?

It's a mountain. A mountain is a little higher than a hill.

Ah, perfect... then I can do it.

Watch the path carefully, there are rocks. Watch your step.

Thanks. You know... I realize something... when I walk like this, chatting, I learn more Spanish.

Of course, because you're relaxed. Learning in context.

Yes, in class I think a lot… here I just talk. So, we say “let’s go hiking,” right?

Yes. “senderismo” exists, but it’s hardly ever used in conversation.

I’m a little tired…

That’s normal, we’re going uphill.

But I like… walking and talking at the same time.

That’s it. It’s not just studying, it’s living the language, like we do at Spanish in Cabo, during cooking classes or activities.

Look over there… is that a mountain?

Yes, and behind it is a mountain range.

Wow… someday I want to climb a mountain.

First hills… then mountains.

Thank you so much for listening to these 5 minutes of Spanish.

If you liked the podcast, share it.

And if you want, listen to it while you walk, but not while you climb, please.

We look forward to seeing you in our classes here in Los Cabos or at our activities. If you're not in Los Cabos, we invite you to join our online workshops.

See you soon!

Bye!