Carlos Valverde Ochando Website

Carlos Valverde Ochando

English and Spanish Teacher

Carlos Valverde Ochando is a English and Spanish teacher and content creator based in Granada, Spain. With over 12 years of experience, Carlos currently works as a high school teacher in Spain after recently returning from a Dual language exchange program in the US. He also creates content focused on making Spanish more accessible and authentic for learners, with an emphasis on slang, accents and regional expressions across various Spanish-speaking regions. He is especially well-versed in Spain Spanish, Argentinian Spanish, and Mexican Spanish. Carlos has a degree in English Studies from the University of Granada and a Master’s in Secondary Education Teacher Training.

Education

  • BA, English Studies, University of Granada
  • Master’s Degree, Secondary Education Teacher Training, University of Granada

Professional Achievements

  • Taught both in Spain and the United States, working in dual-language programs and secondary education
  • Developed innovative methods to identify and teach colloquial expressions across Spanish-speaking regions
  • Featured on social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube under the handle @spanishinput, where he has built an international audience of language learners

Certifications & Organizations

  • Licensed Secondary Education Teacher (Spain)
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (C2) – University of Cambridge
  • Qualified bilingual educator with experience in U.S. dual-language middle school programs

Favorite Piece of Advice

Input is king, but progress only comes if you notice actively—without noticing, you won’t advance as quickly or as much. Mistakes are part of the journey, so don’t be afraid of them; toddlers don’t care, and that’s their superpower. While vocabulary and grammar rules are key, don’t overfocus on them: learning in chunks is just as important. Pay attention to how natives use their mother tongue, and if you want to take your fluency to the next level, pick an accent and go for it.

wikiHow's Editorial ProcesswikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.

Forum Comments (2)

Spanish speakers, what are some funny Spanish phrases?
There are many funny Spanish phrases; here are a couple that come to mind.

éramos pocos, meaning there were few of us (said ironically). Actually, you're saying that this is overcrowded, but we just say, there were just a few of us in a sarcastic way.

y parió la abuela, but the grandma had a kid.

se pilla antes a un mentiroso que a un cojo, meaning you're going to catch someone who's a liar more quickly than you would catch someone with a limp (saying that you're chasing after them).
What are some other ways to say "Hi" in Spanish?
So in response to hola, you can say,’ buenas’, which is like a shortened, informal way to say ‘good’, like in the phrases ‘good morning’, ‘good afternoon’, etc.
You can say, ¿qué tal? You know, ‘how are you doing?’
You can reply:
¿cómo andas? Or ¿Cómo estás? Meaning ‘how are you?’
¿Qué haces? Meaning ‘What are you doing?’
¿Qué pasa? Meaning ‘What’s happening?’
¿cómo te encuentras? Meaning ‘How are you feeling?’ Though this would be more if someone were having an issue.

Q&A Comments (1)

Co-authored Articles (19)

What Does Torta Mean on TikTok and Social Media?

How torta came to be a slangy insult toward women Lately, people on TikTok have been using the Spanish slang word torta as a derogatory way to describe large Hispanic women. The term recently started to gain traction onl...

What Does Mamacita Mean? Using the Spanish Term Appropriately

Is it okay to call a girl "mamacita"? "¡Ay, mamacita!" You might hear guys yelling that to women walking by, but is it supposed to be a compliment? It's usually a positive word, but the exact meaning depends on who says...

How to

Say Hello in Spanish

Even if you've never taken a formal Spanish class, you probably know that "hola" (OH-lah) is the word for "hello" in Spanish. But in Spanish, just as in English, there are a number of different words and phrases that yo...

How to

Say How Are You in Spanish

You may already know to say ''hola'' to greet someone in Spanish. Typically, after that greeting, you would ask "How are you?" The most common way of asking "How are you?" in Spanish is “¿Cómo estás?” (koh-moh ehs...

What Does Papi Chulo Mean in Spanish?

Spanish language teacher Carlos Valverde Ochando explains what this affectionate slang term meansWhether or not you’re part of the Latin-American community, you may have heard the term “papi chulo” before. Maybe it...

What Does “Guapo” Mean? Spanish to English Translation

Learn how to use this Spanish compliment properlyHave you ever wondered how to properly use the Spanish word “guapo” in a sentence? Whether you want to increase your Spanish vocabulary or compliment a good-looking gu...

What Does "Chula" Mean? Plus, How to Use It Properly

Spanish language teacher Carlos Valverde Ochando explains what this popular Spanish slang term meansSpanish slang has been popping up in the English-speaking world for a while now, and “chula” is one such popular exa...

Toxica Meaning in Spanish Slang and Urban Culture

Is it possible that you're friends with/dating a tóxica (or even one yourself)?The slang term, “tóxica,” has become popular in recent years, bridging the cultural gaps between Spanish and English. Traditionally, it...

What Does the Spanish Slang “No Quema Cuh” Mean on TikTok?

Learn where this slang term comes from and how it’s used The phrase no quema cuh (pronounced no-KEMA-ku) originates from the Takuache subculture, which is filled with young Mexican car enthusiasts. In the Takuache subc...

Bad Bunny's DtMF: The Meaning of the Lyrics (With English Translation)

Everything you should know about this Puerto Rican music sensationIf you’ve heard (or heard ''of'') Bad Bunny’s 2025 hit “DtMF,” you might be wondering what this title stands for, what it means, and what sort of ...

How to Call Someone Cute in Spanish in a Casual, Flirty, or Romantic Way

Compliment someone in Spanish by learning to say "cute" Whether you’re making a flirtatious comment or commenting on someone’s adorable baby, the word “cute” is a great addition to your personal phrasebook when y...

How to Address a Letter in Spanish

A guide to writing addresses in Spain & Latin AmericaPostal addressing in Spanish-speaking countries is different from the addressing systems in the US and other English-speaking countries. Spain has different convention...

What Does “Fresita” or “Fresa” Mean in Mexican Slang?

Spanish language teacher Carlos Valverde Ochando explains what it means to be a fresa or fresitaIf you’ve been scrolling through TikTok or brushing up on your Spanish lately, you may have heard the term fresita or fres...

What Does “Gordita” Really Mean from a Loved One?

Spanish language teacher Carlos Valverde Ochando explains how this Spanish slang is used (& why it's not an insult)If you’re a Mexican food connoisseur, you probably know a gordita is a delicious fried cornmeal pancake...

What Does Papacito Mean?

Discover the different meanings of “papacito,” “papito,” & “papi chulo”Spanish speakers have many terms of endearment, some of which charmingly toe the line between poking fun and paying a compliment. “Papa...

What Does "Bruha" Mean in Tagalog? Origins, Usage, & More

Spanish language teacher Carlos Valverde Ochando explains the connection between “bruha” and “bruja”You may have heard the slang term “bruha” or “bruja” before. With foreign roots, these words are most co...

How to

Say Good in Spanish

The basic word for "good" in Spanish is "bueno" (boo-EHN-oh). Even if you don't know much Spanish, you may already be familiar with this word. ''Bueno'' is an adjective. Use the word ''bien'' (BEE-ehn) when you need a no...

How to

Say "Stupid" in Spanish

Find the perfect Spanish insult for any situationSpanish has an incredibly rich vocabulary, which includes its insults. So how do you poke fun at someone’s intelligence ''en español''? There are plenty of ways, as it ...

“Crudo” Meaning in Spanish Slang & on a Seafood Menu

Everything you need to know about both meanings of the word The word “crudo” is commonly used in Spanish slang, but you may have also heard it in reference to fancy fish dishes. If you’ve been to a seafood restaura...