If you’re looking for an in-depth, comprehensive guide showing you the best way to learn Spanish, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know to start speaking and understanding Spanish from the ground up. I’ll also point you to suitable platforms to learn any language.
Let’s get to it.
1. Start as soon as possible
The first step to learning Spanish is deciding to start as soon as possible. The whole learning process can take months or even years, depending on how much time you devote.
You need to ask yourself why you want to learn the language and the proficiency level you wish to attain. A clear view of these goals will help create urgency and get you started as soon as possible.
2. Learn grammar with textbooks
One of the most common ways to learn Spanish is via textbooks. Spanish grammar, like most languages, is divided into basic tenses.
These include present, simple, preterite, future, and imperfect tense. Spanish textbooks can teach you all this within a week or two. From there, you begin to practice basic sentences.
Going deeper in your study to become great at native or conversational Spanish will require additional time. It is achievable, nevertheless.
3. Travel to a Spanish-speaking country
Another proven way to learn Spanish is to travel to any Spanish-speaking country. You do not necessarily need to relocate to these countries.
Instead, see it as an opportunity to take a break outside where you are. Traveling to a Spanish-speaking country will allow you to spend quality time with natives.
It will also expose you to real-life scenarios that will make you step up and improve your ability to effectively compose sentences. Simple sentences like how are you, what is your name are a good way to start.
4. Watch Spanish movies & TV shows with subtitles
If you love watching movies, you should consider leveraging that passion. Thanks to premium streaming services like Netflix and Showmax, you can now find and download different Spanish movies.
Watching these movies (with desired subtitles) is one of the most natural ways to learn Spanish. It will help you assess your comprehension skills.
5. Learn via language applications
Applications like Duolingo can also help you learn Spanish step by step. These apps mostly feature a reward-based system that allows you to earn points after completing a lesson.
They are very flexible and allow you to focus on what part of Spanish you want to get better at. In other words, they can improve your pronunciation, conversational ability, and written Spanish.
The best part is that most apps are free for all proficiency levels. All you need is to devote a fraction of your time.
6. Follow social media content creators
Like learning apps, platforms like YouTube, Tiktok, and Instagram can help you with basic Spanish.
For example, YouTube has a lot of free video courses that allow you to learn Spanish in different ways.
Tiktok and Instagram also have short videos that help you learn slang and pick up phrases. You only need to stick to one or two channels and stay updated with their content.
7. Spend time with Spanish speakers
Spanish speakers are everywhere, you just have to be observant. If you cannot travel to Spanish-speaking countries, you can be friends with one near you.
Chatting with such friends will allow you to practice your speaking prowess. Your Spanish friend will correct you when you are wrong and possibly teach you some shortcuts.
This is a fun and supplementary way to learn a new language. An easy way to connect with Spanish friends is via public communities or groups interested in teaching the language.
8. Listen to radio and podcasts
This may sound a bit challenging. Nevertheless, it is one of the best ways to learn a new language. If you enjoy listening to the radio or podcasts during your downtime, you can leverage that for testing your progress.
Listening to music from eloquent artists like Andrés Calamaro, Vicentico, Anita Tijoux, and Gustavo Cordera is a good way to go.
With podcasts, you should start with the ones teaching simple vocabulary. Once you are well rooted in the basics, you can advance to listening to native listeners.
9. Keep a Spanish journal or blog
If your learning style revolves around writing on paper, keeping a journal will go a long way in your learning process.
With journals, you can easily test your writing skills without fearing mistakes. Things you can practice include writing about your day or week.
You can also create a basic blog if you prefer using editor software to document your progress.
FAQs
Can you learn Spanish on your own?
You can learn Spanish independently, irrespective of how busy your schedule may be. All you need to do is to have a plan and stay true to it.
How long does It take to teach yourself Spanish?
It usually takes a few weeks to learn basic Spanish. The process can be quickened by adopting both self and social learning.
Is Duolingo good for Spanish?
Duolingo is great for learning Spanish and other popular foreign languages.
In what order should you learn Spanish?
While there is no specific order, you should start by understanding verb conjugations. They help with sentence creation and speed up communication prowess.
How often should you practice Spanish?
Dedicating an hour daily to practicing basic Spanish conversation skills is ideal. When you attain an intermediate level, you can increase it to two hours.
Conclusion
There are various ways to learn Spanish by yourself. While some of these methods may require exposure and social learning, they can the windows of opportunities for you.
Feel free to choose or combine any of the options above, and you are guaranteed a smooth learning experience. There is also room to weigh your options and decide the best languages you can learn.
I hope you found this guide helpful. Thank you for reading.
