Expressions you can't translate literally

Some everyday actions use fixed verb + noun combinations that will not survive a word-for-word translation. Each is best taught as a single unit:

take a shower · make a decision · have breakfast · pay attention · tell the truth · catch a bus

Spanish reaches for different verbs — ducharse, tomar una decisión, desayunar, prestar atención. The English verb is not something a student can reason toward; it is fixed by convention. When one comes up, store the whole phrase, verb included.