How to Start Learning Spanish as a Beginner

If you want to start to learn Spanish online, here’s a program we created for you:

Starting with basic vocabulary is essential for beginners learning Spanish. Focusing on common categories can help you build a strong foundation. Begin with greetings and introductions, such as «Hola» (Hello) and «¿Cómo estás?» (How are you?) and so on.

Next, familiarize yourself with numbers, starting from 1 to 20, and then expanding to higher numbers as you gain confidence. Learning colors like «rojo» (red) and «verde» (green) can also be helpful. Also, mastering the days of the week and months, such as «lunes» (Monday) and «diciembre» (December). It’s also essential to know verbs like «ser» (to be) and «tener» (to have). By concentrating on these key vocabulary areas, you will develop the necessary skills to communicate effectively in Spanish and pave the way for more advanced learning.

About grammar, basic grammar is an important part of learning Spanish, helping you create sentences and communicate clearly. First, you should know that Spanish nouns have genders, meaning they are either masculine or feminine. For example, «el» is used for masculine nouns like «el libro» (the book), while «la» is for feminine nouns like «la casa» (the house). To make nouns plural, you usually add “-s” or “-es,” so «libro» becomes «libros» (books) and «casa» becomes «casas» (houses).

To get better practice forming sentences using these elements to reinforce your learning and gain confidence in your language skills.

Key #2 on How to start learning Spanish: Watch Simple Content

Watching simple content is an effective and enjoyable way to enhance your Spanish language learning. Engaging with visual media allows you to hear the language in context, which can improve your listening skills and pronunciation while also expanding your vocabulary.

Look for children’s shows or educational videos in Spanish, such as Bluey or language learning YouTube channels, which use simpler language.

If you’re watching content in Spanish, consider turning on Spanish subtitles. This allows you to connect the spoken words with their written forms, enhancing your reading skills and helping you recognize vocabulary and sentence structures. If you feel more comfortable, you can start with English subtitles and gradually switch to Spanish as you become more familiar with the language.

Key #3 on How to start learning Spanish: Join Beginner Classes

Consider enrolling in a local or online Spanish class designed for beginners. This can provide structure and guidance.

Also, in a classroom setting, you’ll have opportunities for interactive activities like group discussions, role-playing, and language games. A language is a communicative skill after all. These activities help reinforce what you’ve learned and make the experience more engaging.

One of the biggest advantages of joining a class is the chance to practice speaking Spanish with classmates. This real-time interaction helps improve your conversational skills, pronunciation, and confidence in using the language.

Did you know that being part of a language class allows you to meet other learners who share similar goals? You can form study groups, engage in language exchanges, or even make new friends, which can enhance your learning experience.

Which takes us to the next tip ↓

Key #4 on How to start learning Spanish: Engage with Language Communities

Being part of a supportive group of learners and native speakers can motivate you and provide valuable resources for practice. 

Join Facebook groups, Reddit communities, or other social media platforms focused on Spanish learning. These groups often share resources, tips, and experiences, creating a supportive environment where you can ask questions and seek advice from fellow learners and fluent speakers.

Look for language meetups in your area (like our CAD Live Language Exchange every month). These gatherings provide opportunities to practice speaking Spanish in a relaxed setting, allowing you to interact with others and make friends who are also learning the language.

Look for volunteer opportunities where Spanish is spoken. Working with Spanish-speaking communities can provide immersive experiences that enhance your language skills while contributing positively to your community.

On platforms like YouTube or Instagram, follow creators who share content in Spanish. Engaging with their posts and joining discussions in the comments can improve your understanding and expose you to different language styles.

Key #5 on How to start learning Spanish: Set Small Realistic Goals

Setting small, realistic goals is a powerful strategy for learning Spanish, as it helps maintain motivation and provides a clear path for progress.

Instead of aiming to become fluent in Spanish within a few months, break this larger goal into smaller, manageable milestones. For example, you might set a goal to learn 50 new vocabulary words or to be able to hold a basic conversation about everyday topics.

Establish daily or weekly goals that are specific and achievable. For instance, you could aim to practice Spanish for 20 minutes each day or learn five new words each week. This makes the process less overwhelming and allows for consistent progress.

Ensure that your goals can be measured. Instead of saying, “I want to improve my speaking,” try “I want to be able to hold a five-minute conversation with someone.” This clarity allows you to track your progress effectively.

Be flexible and adjust your goals if necessary. If you find that a goal is too ambitious or not challenging enough, feel free to modify it. The key is to keep your goals realistic and aligned with your current skill level.

Well, now…

Let’s learn Spanish!

If you want to start to learn Spanish online, here’s a program we created for you: