Hablas Espanol? 5 Tips for How to Learn Spanish

Spanish is the second most spoken language in the world. It provides you with the ability to communicate in many different countries.

Most importantly, it's the language of the Costa del Sol. If you want to live there, you're going to need to know a few words.

In this article, we'll give you five great tips on how to learn Spanish.

Find a Personal Tutor or Language Partner

You can read all the Spanish language books and use all the Duolingo you want, but if you don't speak the language to a real person, you aren't going to learn it. That's what a personal tutor provides: conversation practice.

A personal tutor will, of course, also point out your mistakes and teach you new grammar, but the conversation practice is more important.

If you don't want to pay for a tutor, find a native Spanish speaker who wants to learn English and have a language exchange.

Develop an Ear for Spanish

Learning to speak Spanish is only half the battle, and some might even say it's the easier half. Developing an ear for Spanish is just as important, especially if you're planning to live in Southern Spain, a region known for its fast dialect.

Listen to music in Spanish and watch television and movies in Spanish. When watching a movie, watch it the first time with English subtitles, then again with Spanish subtitles, then finally without any subtitles.

Read Spanish Aloud

Reading is one of the best ways to expand your vocabulary. Keep a dictionary by your side and write down the definition of any new words you come across.

You should also use this as an opportunity to practice your pronunciation. In Spanish, unlike in English, if you can read the word you can pronounce it. Pronouncing new words out loud is a great way to get used to Spanish pronunciation.

Don't Worry About Your Grammar

When you're starting out, don't focus too much on grammar. Spanish has far more verb conjugations than English, and if you worry about all them from the beginning, you're going to get overwhelmed.

To start, you can even communicate with nothing but infinitives. Use the personal pronouns to make yourself clear. For example, you could say tu ir ayer instead of fuiste ayer to say "you went yesterday."

It may not sound pretty, but that's ok. Everyone has to start somewhere.

Narrate Your Surroundings

Practice speaking! Even when you're not with your tutor or speaking partner, speak Spanish. The more you speak the faster you'll learn.

Narrate your surroundings and your actions as you go about your day. If you're too embarrassed, narrate in your head.

Narration like this is a great way to reinforce vocabulary and practice fluency.

How to Learn Spanish the Fun Way? Immerse Yourself

Of course, the best way to learn Spanish is to immerse yourself in Spanish culture. It will amaze you how quickly you pick it up once you're actually there.

You don't need to be fluent to get by in Spain. Spaniards are very patient with foreigners. So start looking for a place to live now, even if you're a beginner.

We offer a wide variety of properties throughout the Costa del Sur region, and we're always willing to work with our clients to help them find exactly what they're looking for. Contact us if you want more tips on how to learn Spanish and let's get started today.