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What is the easiest way to learn Spanish?
When someone asks this question, everyone expects a simple answer like: ‘The easiest way to learn Spanish is …( and then you say it).
Yes, there is an easy way to do it, but it can’t be explained with only one sentence.
Learning a foreign language is a process and it involves a complete and full dedication.
But there are some easier and more fun methods. Truth be told, there are hundreds of them.. The following ones happen to be the most effective. And interestingly enough, for some of them you won’t believe they are helpful, until you try them out.
To make this true and possible, you have to be consistent.
You have to be ready.
More importantly, you have to be optimistic, confident and believe in yourself.
Now, let’s dive in.
10 Easiest Ways to Learn Spanish for Every Level
Speak Spanish only
Don’t speak your native language or English under any circumstances. Speak only Spanish.
No matter how many words or phrases in Spanish you (don’t) know, use them when you speak with natives.
It’s called an immersion approach.
Don’t think of this as the only possibility when you travel to Spain or another Spanish-speaking country. You can do it from your home. Yes, you read that right. But to succeed, you should try to implement this technique into your daily activities.
Watch movies in Spanish
Everyone loves watching movies and TV shows. But, have you ever tried watching them in Spanish?
Not only is it fun, but it’s also effective.
If you are a beginner, then we recommend you watch Spanish movies with English subtitles. For those who are more advanced, subtitles aren’t necessary.
Now, you must be wondering how watching movies in another language can help you in real life.
By watching movies, not only do you practice and improve your listening and reading skills, but you also boost your vocabulary. You get to learn slang words or phrases used in real-life situations as well as improve your pronunciation.
Listen to Podcasts and Audio Lessons
Spanish podcasts aren’t the number one way to learn Spanish, but they are a great resource to listen to native speakers.
When you don’t want to use your free time practicing grammar, or trying to boost your vocabulary, just pick a podcast, press the ‘listen to the audio’ and enjoy the story.
Podcasts have entertaining and different topics; from the funny ones to the challenges that include politics or some abstract themes.
The benefits of using podcasts are numerous: from improving your listening skills and learning new words and phrases, to the possibility to listen to them whenever and wherever you want.
On the internet, there are many Spanish podcasts available.
It’s up to you to choose which one is suitable for you.
Travel to España world
If you have the possibility, do not hesitate to travel abroad.
Whichever Spanish-speaking country you choose, use the time you are there to learn and improve your Spanish.
In the beginning, you will definitely be shy, perhaps discouraged, and it will be tough, but just give it a go and start talking.
The good thing about traveling is that you are sometimes obliged to speak in Spanish only. No matter how many words and expressions you know, if you want to eat or find a hotel, you need to talk in Spanish. It’s your full immersion into the Spanish world.
The more you travel, the better your Spanish will become. You will also learn to recognize and differentiate Spanish dialects.
Take Spanish lessons with tutors
Today, everyone has a laptop, PC, iPod, Tablet, etc.
So use the advantage of modern technology and learn Spanish online.
There is no need to point out why this is one of the best, fastest, and easiest ways to learn Spanish, but let’s mention the advantage of speaking with teachers, real people.
If those teachers are native speakers like Spanish tutors on Justlearn, then you practically won the lottery!
Justlearn tutors are true professionals but also very friendly. They plan lessons according to your needs but in a way that studying doesn’t feel like old fashioned studying.
Don’t wait any longer and book your first lesson.
Learn Spanish words by improving your memory
Use the mnemonics technique to memorize new words.
It means that you have to practice your memory to recall the information you need very quickly.
In our case, it is about vocabulary, grammar, idioms, phrases, etc.
For example, if you find some phrases hard to remember, then you have to find something that you can associate with these phrases.
The next time you have to use that ‘hard phrase’ you’ll recall the easy thing you’ve associated the phrase with, and voila! Success guaranteed!
This technique is popular among language learners. However, it takes time for you to train yourself to use this technique, especially to use it to memorize Spanish.
Build a Vocabulary
All your listening and reading skills are for nothing if you don’t know words.
Therefore, building your vocabulary in Spanish is extremely important.
How can you do that fast?
Learn words and phrases as you go. Use every opportunity you have to learn some new words or expressions.
For example, memorize the 1.000 most-used Spanish words and phrases for beginners. Why? Simply because you will use those words every day, in almost every conversation.
One more way to build your vocabulary in Spanish is to try to learn words in Spanish with games. It’s a fun and proven way, and you won’t even realize that you are studying and boosting your vocabulary.
Find Language Exchange Partner
You can speak with someone from Spain, Mexico or some other Spanish-speaking country. They can help you with your pronunciation, show you your mistakes, and who know, be your friend.
In exchange, you can help them with your native language, or English perhaps so you two can speak in Spanish for 30 minutes, and the other 30 minutes another language.
You can chat online via Skype as well, or in person, if you live in the same town.
You can talk about anything you want.
If you, for example, are a beginner, then it is very likely that you will start with some basic words and expressions like ‘What’s your name?’ ‘How old are you?’ ‘Where do you live?’ etc. as well as Spanish greetings and goodbyes. Learning basic Spanish is an excellent start.
As we’ve said, not only can you improve your conversational skills and get self-confidence when talking in Spanish, but you can also get a friend. And who knows, you can visit them in their home country one day.
Learn Grammar But Don’t Be Obsessed
Grammar is one of the important parts of any language.
Without grammar, we couldn’t learn any foreign language. If we were to put words in the sentence without following any rules, then it wouldn’t be a language, it would be a mess.
So, yes, grammar is essential, but it is one big trap, too.
While it’s vital to learn the basics of Spanish grammar, don’t be obsessed with it all the time.
Of course, you should learn grammar and apply your knowledge. However, if you happen to say something that’s not grammatically correct, you shouldn’t worry too much.
Someone will correct you, and you won’t make that mistake again.
Read in Spanish
Whenever you have some free time, read in Spanish.
Not only will you improve your reading skills, but you will boost your vocabulary with new words, phrases but slang as well.
It isn’t necessary to read books only. No, you can read whatever you want. Read blogs, newspapers, books, articles, etc. As long as you read at least 15-30 minutes a day, you’ve done something to improve your skills.
Conclusion
As you may see, there is no magical recipe or a magic wand that can do the job for you. You have to dedicate yourself.
Be consistent. Be focused. Practice Spanish every day, one way or another.
If you feel you don’t want to practice the language today, nothing to worry about.
Find an interesting movie and watch it. Or listen to an amusing podcast while taking a walk in the park.
Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. They can be very helpful for your learning process.
And most importantly, believe in yourself and your ability to learn the language. Don’t listen to others who say it’s too hard, or perhaps impossible.
Everything is possible, especially learning Spanish when you have so many effective methods that can help you learn it.
Which of these tactics will you try first?