In chapter 2 we learned about definite articles (el, la, los, las). With these we learned about gender agreement with nouns. Masculine nouns usually end in -o and feminine nouns usually end in -a. Masculine nouns are paired with 'el' or 'los' (when plural), while feminine nouns go with 'la' or 'las' (when plural). However there are some exceptions that I have trouble with. Words that end with -dad or -ion can be feminine. Also words like idioma or atleta, that would appear to be feminine are actually masculine. Along with gender agreement, there is number agreement. When describing more than one person the noun must be plural. This is hard to remember becuase this is not used in English.
Chapter 2 also covers 'gustar' and its uses. 'Gustar' only has two conjugations. When what is being liked is singular or a verb you use 'gusta'. When what is being liked is plural, 'gustan' is used. 'Gustar' is used with 'me', 'te', 'le' and 'les' rather than usual articles. I think using 'gustar' is a lot easier than using some of the other verbs that have more conjugations. You only have to remember two and it is pretty easy to figure out which one to use at what time.
We also learned the use of 'estar'. It was confusing at first because 'ser' and 'estar' have the same meaning. However, 'estar' is used to describe temporary states of an individual. 'Ser', on the other hand, is used when describing physical and personality traits. At first I had trouble remembering which one was which but it is a lot easier now.
Finally, as the chapters are progressing, we are learning more about the culture. I think that is the most interesting part of everything.
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