What is the best way to learn Spanish?

Starting to learn a language can seem like standing at the base of Mt. Everest and looking at the peak. If you are a true beginner without any previous knowledge of the language, you might look up and think that you face an impossible task. However, you know there are thousands of people who have conquered that mountain before you, as well as millions upon millions of students who have been able to achieve fluency in Spanish. You are not alone. And with this post, you will learn how to tackle the Spanish language as a complete beginner. Be Consistent

This tip isn’t really a way to learn Spanish, but I wanted to include it before you get started. You must, and I mean must begin to form a habit of learning the language each day if you are going to stick with it over time. Habits can be built in a little less than a month so the important thing is you are creating the habit of learning each day.

If you don’t start forming a studying habit you will not be able to make sustainable progress. It’s not like binge-watching Netflix, you can’t just study hard on Saturday to make up for a week without speaking a lick in Spanish.

1) Find an Online Tutor 

If you are just to do one thing in your quest to Spanish fluency, my recommendation would be to focus on this method. Fact of the matter is, having an online tutor will quadruple your results compared to time spent in an actual classroom.Why, you might ask? A classroom environment is focused on teaching several students (all learning at different paces) all at once.

2) Use Language Exchanges to Speak to Native Speakers

Language exchanges are yet another excellent and free way to learn Spanish. Unlike anytime in history, you can speak with someone from Spain from anywhere in the world as long as you have an internet connection.I have met some amazing friends from all over the world.

All you need to do is ask a native Spanish speaker, “let’s spend the first 30 minutes speaking in English and the next 30 minutes speaking in Spanish.”

3) Use a Flashcard App with Spaced Repetition Technology

Flashcards are the perfect way to learn vocabulary. There are several very good flashcard apps that you can use right from your cell phone.It’s crucial that you don’t just study with any old flashcards. You should make sure to use a flashcard app that incorporates space repetition software.

4) Listen to Spanish Podcasts

Podcasts are great because you can listen to them whenever you are doing unengaging activities like walking the dog or folding the laundry. Basically, anything that doesn’t require your brains attention makes for the perfect time to listen to a Podcast episode.You can easily download or stream free episodes from the Podcast app on iOS or the Stitcher app for Android.

5) Read Books in Spanish

This one can be difficult. It was so difficult that I often neglected it early on in my studying. If you are finding this method to be too intimidating, just pick out your favourite book in the Spanish translation. Just about every popular book these days is translated into Spanish. I picked out one of my favourite books in the Spanish translation. Since I had already read this book a couple of times in English I already knew the storyline and what was going on in each chapter.

6) Begin Writing in Spanish

If you haven’t noticed by now, our Spanish land School motto is, “Piensa como nativo.” By immersing yourself in the language, you will slowly start to think like a native. One way to start thinking in Spanish is to start writing in the language.

7) Join an Online Spanish Membership or Course to Improve Grammar and Pronunciation

The best part about joining a good online Spanish course or membership is that the structure is already perfectly laid out for you. When I got motivated on my Spanish fluency, I watched a bunch of random YouTube videos, bought a few Spanish grammar books, and tried speaking Spanish with whoever would give me the time of day.

The more you practice the more you will see yourself improving. Make a list of at least 10 words a day and speak them aloud to get them to perfect pronunciation. You could look up online audiobooks, or visual aids whatever suits you to make this journey less intimidating and more pleasant!