This topic tests whether you can match Spanish words and phrases to pictures of everyday objects, signs, and activities. In the Junior Cycle Common Level examination, you enter the requested image number or phrase letter into an answer grid.
Question Format and Matching Strategy
Image-matching questions test vocabulary by asking you to pair illustrations with short phrases.
A reliable matching method saves time and avoids careless mistakes:
- Look at every picture first and name the item or action in your head.
- Scan the phrases for obvious cognates like el hotel, el hospital, or el parque.
- Enter the image number or phrase letter requested for your most certain answers first.
- Cross off used options only when the instructions state that each option is used once.
- For prohibition notices, read the entire phrase to identify what is banned, then match that meaning to the picture.
Action Verbs for Pastimes and Routines
Spanish uses specific verbs for hobbies, sports, and tasks. Learn these activities as complete expressions:
- Jugar al tenis = to play tennis; jugar al ajedrez = to play chess.
- Tocar means to play when used with instruments: tocar la batería = to play the drums.
- Hacer natación = to go swimming; hacer los deberes = to do homework.
- Social expressions include quedar con amigos (meeting friends) and usar las redes sociales (using social media).
Everyday Signs and Direction Notices
Common road signs, travel notices, and town landmarks include:
| Spanish Phrase | English Meaning | Typical Visual Feature |
|---|---|---|
| A la izquierda | To / on the left | Arrow pointing left |
| A la derecha | To / on the right | Arrow pointing right |
| Aparcamiento | Car park / parking | Blue sign with 'P' |
| Cruce peatonal | Pedestrian crossing | Zebra stripes or walking figure |
| Semáforo | Traffic lights | Three-lens traffic signal |
| Estación de tren | Train station | Train logo or platform |
| La rotonda | Roundabout | Circular directional arrows |
| El puente | Bridge | Road over water or railway |
| Escuela | School | School warning sign with children |
| Está prohibido | It is forbidden | Barred action or prohibition notice |
Do not confuse a la derecha (to the right) with todo recto (straight ahead).
Household Objects and Describing Details
When matching items, check colour words and singular or plural endings: las cortinas rojas means ‘red curtains’.
| Spanish Word | English Meaning |
|---|---|
| La cama | Bed |
| El frigorífico | Fridge |
| La ducha | Shower |
| El lavavajillas | Dishwasher |
| El secador de pelo | Hairdryer |
| Las escaleras | Stairs |
| La cocina de gas | Gas hob / cooker |
| Las cortinas | Curtains |
Look for small differentiating details in drawings, such as distinguishing a figure con sombrero (with a hat) from one sin sombrero (without a hat).
Key terms
- Jugar al
- Verb phrase used for playing games and sports (e.g. jugar al tenis, jugar al ajedrez).
- Tocar
- Verb used for playing a musical instrument (e.g. tocar la batería, tocar el piano).
- Hacer
- Verb meaning to do or make, used for exercise and chores (e.g. hacer natación, hacer los deberes).
- A la izquierda
- Directional phrase meaning 'to the left' or 'on the left'.
- A la derecha
- Directional phrase meaning 'to the right' or 'on the right'.
- Cruce peatonal
- Pedestrian crossing shown on road signs by zebra stripes or a walking figure.
- Semáforo
- Traffic light signal.
- Está prohibido
- Expression meaning 'it is forbidden', indicating a prohibited action.
Check yourself
Which Spanish verb is used to say 'to play the piano'?
Tocar (tocar el piano).
What domestic appliance is 'el lavavajillas'?
The dishwasher.
What town landmark is represented by 'el puente'?
A bridge.
How do you say 'to play chess' in Spanish?
Jugar al ajedrez.