How to learn Spanish like a pro: 4 tips
We get it! Learning another language seems like a very long, and difficult journey, but with these four simple tips, you’ll go from basic to conversationally fluent, quicker than you can say ‘Hablamos Spanish!’
Just remember, consistency and dedication is key! Follow these four simple tips, and practice every day, even if it is just for 5 minutes, and you’ll see genuine results. #yougotthis.
Listen to it
Simply put, you must learn to listen before you can speak. The more you hear Spanish, the more familiar it will become. Listening to native Spanish speakers will also help with your pronunciation and comprehension.
Listening to Spanish podcasts on iTunes, or the radio, on the way to work, is a great way to learn on the run, or relax with a Spanish telenovela or movie on Netflix. Next time try to leave the subtitles off!
Or use the likes of Spotify to listen to music in Spanish. Try to learn the lyrics and then check what they mean. Children’s songs are even better for this!
Read it
Reading, whether it be children’s books or news articles, will help improve your word recognition and comprehension. You can purchase Spanish children’s books online or check out these news websites for articles in Spanish. Even better if you can choose a topic that you’re really interested in.
Download a Spanish dictionary on your phone such as SpanishDict, to help you with any words that you don’t know. Once you learn a new word, try to use it in another a sentence, to cement it in your memory.
We’ve also created some helpful home labels in Spanish to put up around your home (in the kitchen, living room and bedroom), to remind you of some common words. Click here to download.
Another simple tip is to change the language settings on all your electronic devices so that you can pick up words you know already in your native language.
Speak it
Take every opportunity you can to speak Spanish!
Leave your comfort zone, embrace the awkward and give it a go! Speaking to people IRL will keep Spanish relevant to you. The only way to improve is with practice, practice, practice. Don’t be afraid to get it wrong, it’s the best way to learn.
Take private, 1-on-1 lessons with us at Hablamos Spanish (shameless plug). Our instructors are patient, understanding, professional and of course fun. They'll tailor the classes to you, so that you simply see greater results than in a group class or learning solo.
Find out if there are any other Spanish speakers at your work and start a Spanish Supper (or lunch) Club, or connect with other Spanish speakers in your neighbourhood through www.meetup.com or Facebook.
And talk to yourself! It might sound silly, but switch your internal monologue to Spanish. You’ll be surprised how much this will help!
Experience it
At the end of the day, the best way to learn Spanish, is to immerse yourself in the language, and the culture for that matter. Take a trip – whether it be to Spain, or to Latin America! It’s great for the mind, and even better for the soul.
Put your Spanish into practice and walk the walk and talk the talk! Ask someone for directions, order food in a restaurant, make a hotel reservation, or start a conversation with someone at the local market. You’ll find it personally rewarding, and you’ll make all your friends jealous of your incredible adventures.
If you’re interested in attending a Spanish school abroad, check out some of these Spanish language schools in South America.
Learning another language, especially Spanish is an adventure, embrace it!
