La Casa de Papel
Money Heist
Season 1, Episode 1
How to use this guide
This isn't a recap — it's a language companion for watching La Casa de Papel. Keep this open while you watch the first episode and pause when you hit the timestamps below.
We'll highlight key phrases you'll actually hear, explain Spain-specific slang, and give you vocabulary worth saving. By the end of the episode, you'll have picked up expressions that'll stick with you through the whole series.
Pro tip: Watch with Spanish audio and Spanish subtitles. You'll notice the subtitles don't always match what's said — that's normal, and this guide will help you catch what you're really hearing.
Opening Scene
0:00 - 4:30
The episode opens with Tokyo's narration. Her voiceover is fast — don't worry if you miss things. Focus on catching these key moments:
"Me llamo Tokyo"
My name is Tokyo
The classic self-introduction. "Me llamo" (I call myself) is more common in everyday Spanish than "Mi nombre es" (my name is), which sounds more formal.
"¿Qué coño haces?"
What the hell are you doing?
"Coño" is very Spain-specific — you'll hear it constantly in this show. It's vulgar but extremely common, used for emphasis like "hell" or "damn." In Latin America, this word is much stronger and rarely used this casually.
"TÃo" / "TÃa"
Dude / Girl (literally: uncle/aunt)
The Spanish equivalent of "dude" or "mate." You'll hear this hundreds of times throughout the series. "¡Venga, tÃo!" (Come on, dude!) is practically a catchphrase.
Cultural note
Notice how characters use "usted" (formal you) with the Professor but "tú" (informal) with each other. This shift signals respect and hierarchy — pay attention to when it changes throughout the series.
Meeting the Professor
12:45 - 18:20
The Professor explains the plan. His speech is slower and more deliberate — great for listening practice. Watch for these key terms:
"El atraco perfecto"
The perfect heist
"Atraco" is the word for robbery/heist. You'll hear "atraco," "robo," and "golpe" used throughout — they have slightly different connotations. "Atraco" specifically implies armed robbery.
"Sin derramar una gota de sangre"
Without spilling a drop of blood
A dramatic phrase that sounds very natural in Spanish. "Derramar" (to spill) + "sangre" (blood) is a common collocation. The Professor uses elevated language — notice how it contrasts with the casual speech of the robbers.
"¿Estáis conmigo?"
Are you (all) with me?
"Estáis" is the vosotros form — used in Spain but not Latin America. If this were Mexican Spanish, it would be "¿Están conmigo?" Getting used to vosotros is one of the benefits of watching Spanish shows.
Episode vocabulary
Next up
Episode 2: "Imprudencias letales"
The heist begins. We'll cover negotiation vocabulary and more vosotros practice.
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