Spanish language Q&A Forum

I would translate quería as I wanted or was wanting.  Thank you.

I'm almost 2 years into learning Spanish and I get lost after hearing a couple of words if I close my eyes.  I watch shows and listen to Spanish podcast, and my ear for Spanish has not developed at all.  What could I possible do to change this?

How would you write “My leg and knee hurt”? It seems like I could write it “Me duele la pierna y la rodilla”, but not “Me duelen la pierna y la rodilla." Are either of those correct?

First of all, how to decide when to use despertar and when despertarse?

Second question, why can't we use levantarse in place of despertarse?

In the test the question is "Coloca las plantas _____ sol." I understand that "al" is the correct answer as far as a contraction, but why do you use "a" in this instance? Why is it not "en el sol"?