For example, start by learning “¡Hola! ¿Cómo estás?” (OH-lah COH-moh ess-TAHS), which means “Hi! How are you?” Practice your pronunciation and use Spanish greetings instead of English when you greet friends and neighbors. If you have any friends or acquaintances who speak Spanish, ask them to only speak to you in Spanish. Try to respond to them in Spanish as well, and get their help with appropriate responses.
Don’t worry if you don’t know all the words in the lyrics right away – just listen and immerse yourself in the sounds of the Spanish language. As you expand your vocabulary, you’ll understand more and more.
Look for shows from places where spoken Spanish tends to be slower, such as Colombia. While watching, turn on subtitles in Spanish, not English. You don’t want to learn how to translate Spanish into English, you want to learn how to communicate in Spanish. Spanish subtitles on Spanish programs will help you associate the written word with the sound.
Changing your device settings won’t necessarily expose you to a significant number of new words and phrases, but it will help you start thinking more in Spanish instead of in English. You can expand this basic principle to other areas of your life as well. For example, if you go to yoga class every week, you could switch to a class that’s taught in Spanish rather than in English.
Most classics and bestsellers have been translated into Spanish. Many of these books are available for free online in eBook format. You also may be able to find cheap copies at your local used bookstore. Try reading out loud rather than silently. It will help you develop an ear for the language, and you’ll associate the written words with the sound of the words. You also might try audiobooks in Spanish. With digital recordings, you can slow down the speed so that you can understand the speaker better.
Through an online search, you may be able to find free flashcard templates that you can download and print. Label objects in your home with the Spanish word for that object. Every time you look at the object, you’ll be reinforcing your Spanish-language skills. Over time, you’ll come to associate the object with the Spanish word rather than the English word.
If you’re a student, visit your school’s study abroad office to find out about opportunities to spend a semester in a Spanish-speaking country. Not only will you get course credit, but you’ll also have opportunities to learn the Spanish language and culture. While in the country, try to speak only in Spanish. You’ll learn more quickly when you force yourself to speak the language.
Many websites, such as Memrise and Duolingo, have mobile apps that allow you to take your learning with you wherever you go. This can make it easier to get in some practice with Spanish every day. Software programs, such as Rosetta Stone, can teach you Spanish relatively quickly. Rosetta Stone has been used by the U. S. State Department to enable new diplomats to learn a language quickly. [9] X Research source
For example, Memrise has a specific course called “First 5,000 words in Spanish. " Taking this course can greatly expand your vocabulary and give you more words to use if you practice diligently. These programs are only as good as the effort you put into them. While you can learn a lot of words using online programs or mobile apps, you still need to supplement them with conversation and other immersion techniques. Otherwise, you just know a bunch of Spanish words but don’t have the ability to put them together.
All you need is a few minutes a day. Typically you’ll learn fastest if you have 20 or 30 minutes each day that you can dedicate to language learning. Spend half your time reviewing and reinforcing what you’ve already learned, and then try to pick up something new.
Some apps may have voice recognition software that enables you to get some practice speaking, but it’s still no match for actual conversation. If you don’t know anybody you can talk to in Spanish, talk to yourself, or sing in the shower. These will help you get better with pronunciation and word recall.
Community colleges often have relatively inexpensive language classes that are open to the public. In addition to taking group classes, you also have the option of hiring a private tutor. However, private tutors can be expensive.
If you’re taking a local class, there also typically will be a textbook you’ll be expected to buy. You can find these textbooks at used bookstores and buy them even if you’re not enrolled in a class. An elementary textbook can help you learn the basic grammar rules you’ll need to know when you’re just starting out. But if you want to learn Spanish fast, you need to focus more on speaking the language. Don’t get bogged down in memorizing grammar rules and doing written exercises.
Try to find a group that has a mix of native speakers and people like you who are trying to learn. If the group is made up entirely of learners, you may accidentally pick up some bad habits.
If you can’t afford formal classes, this can be a more accessible way to learn Spanish. However, just because someone knows how to speak Spanish doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll be the best teacher. If you can’t find someone near you, search online to find a language partner who is willing to communicate with you using a video chat service.
