menu
Ever wanted to charm someone with your Spanish skills? Does the thought of taking Spanish classes scare you? Spanish is a popular choice among those looking to learn a new language. This is mostly because Spanish is one of the most commonly spoken languages in the world. Whatever your skill level, we’ve got you covered with our practical tips to get you speaking Spanish in no time.
Include Spanish in your daily routine
A good way to sprinkle a bit of Spanish in your everyday routine is by involving yourself in all things Spanish. What better way to combine your love of Spanish and entertainment than by watching telenovelas (soap opera in Latin America) to improve your pronunciation?
Some popular Spanish TV shows available on streaming sites like Netflix include: Elite, Money Heist, Made in Mexico, Narcos, El Chapo, and Grand Hotel to name a few. You can also check out movies such as: The Platform (El Hoyo), Mirage (Durante la tormenta), How to Get Over a Breakup (Soltera Codiciada), Veronica, Pan’s Labyrinth (El Laberinto del Fauno), Smoke and Mirrors (El Hombre de las Mil Caras), and Toro. Make sure you turn on the subtitles if you do end up watching these shows. This is a great way to expand your vocabulary.
Utilize online technology
These days, technology has made everyone more connected than before. Take advantage of language exchange applications such as HelloTalk or Tandem. These platforms allow you to find native speakers who are willing to practice your Spanish if you are willing to help them practice their English in return.
Learning spanish online is a convenient way to practice intercambios (conversation exchange), which can help fix words and sentence construction in your long-term memory. Having conversations with native speakers will help you speak full sentences in Spanish and they can smooth out any accents you may have.
Create your very own Spanish phrasebook
This tip will help you compile a list of words, phrases, and sentences that are relevant to your life. Some things that you can include in your phrasebook are: your name and your home country, your occupation, your reason/s for learning Spanish, your favorite activities, and any other interesting information about yourself. Remember to also include conversational connectors that can make transitions between topics smoother and make your conversations sound more natural.
Practice your Spanish everyday
Like any other skill, learning a new language requires practice. Squeezing in an extra 30 minutes a day is quite simple if you’re truly serious about learning Spanish. Reading your phrasebook during your daily commute is a great place to start. If you are taking group Spanish classes, try setting up a weekly video chat with your classmates where you can all practice your conversational Spanish for at least an hour.
These are only some of the ways you can learn Spanish faster outside of your foreign language classes. If you feel like you need more tips, don’t hesitate to ask for more advice from your Spanish teacher–and remember: everyone learns at different rates. Just do your best and enjoy the journey towards Spanish fluency.