Any tips for learning Spanish?

[JSolution]

Been learning Spanish for a few months now. Mainly from books, some chatGPT (really useful for this), I use an app called hello talk as well.

Im going to Tenerife for a few days next week so this will be first time practicing with native speakers, I have spoken to some people who speak Spanish and im far from fluent although I have a good grasp of the verbs and grammar. I tend to freeze up a bit because it takes me so long to think about what it is im trying to say. Obviously immersing myself in a Spanish speaking country would be the quickest route possible and I do intend to make my nest few holidays in Spanish speaking countries only.

Anyone have any tips for me? :)

Also I have not touched the subjunctive yet which I know is a really important part of Spanish. I am learning with more of a South American accent as well rather than Spanish.

[soldes]

Watch the news in a Spanish network (Univision), you will be surprise how much of the language you start to put together.

[Carguy87]

"Disculpame, pero no se como se dice..."

Probably the most helpful phrase when you're starting out (literally translated: excuse me but I'm not sure how to say....) and then you can just fill in words or point to things and get your point across. Also nowadays with all the two way translating apps if you get stuck there's technological assistance. Have a blast on your trip!

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by Carguy87

"Disculpame, pero no se como se dice..."

Probably the most helpful phrase when you're starting out (literally translated: excuse me but I'm not sure how to say....) and then you can just fill in words or point to things and get your point across. Also nowadays with all the two way translating apps if you get stuck there's technological assistance. Have a blast on your trip!

Im quite a way past that (I think haha) it’s to be put to the test. I can say most things, it just takes me a very long time to think. Im much better at writing Spanish .

[enjoythemusic]

Start dating someone who only speaks Spanish.

[brandrea]

Dos cervezas. That’s all I’ve got

[JSolution]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Dos cervezas. That’s all I’ve got

You are the second person who’s said those exact words to me today

[MrGoat]

Originally Posted by soldes

Watch the news in a Spanish network (Univision), you will be surprise how much of the language you start to put together.

This. And when you’re responding to what’s said, do it in Spanish as well.

Also, cohelo suave habla muy rapido means slow down, you’re speaking too fast.

You will do fine. They will understand you are learning and be appreciative you tried to learn their language instead of just using your phone to translate or simply speaking only english.


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[Dr. Robert]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Start dating someone who only speaks Spanish.

I second that! I learned my Spanish from a girlfriend : )


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[ERH]

Caterina in Barcelona, she'll get you talking pretty fast

[JasoninDenver]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Been learning Spanish for a few months now. Mainly from books, some chatGPT (really useful for this), I use an app called hello talk as well.

Im going to Tenerife for a few days next week so this will be first time practicing with native speakers, I have spoken to some people who speak Spanish and im far from fluent although I have a good grasp of the verbs and grammar. I tend to freeze up a bit because it takes me so long to think about what it is im trying to say. Obviously immersing myself in a Spanish speaking country would be the quickest route possible and I do intend to make my nest few holidays in Spanish speaking countries only.

Anyone have any tips for me? :)

Also I have not touched the subjunctive yet which I know is a really important part of Spanish. I am learning with more of a South American accent as well rather than Spanish.

Just start doing it and make it clear you want to learn from the people you talk to. I do this everywhere I travel and people really are very helpful when they see you are interested in trying.

In addition, I have Duolingo as well but not the dedication to keep up with it.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by JSolution

You are the second person who’s said those exact words to me today

Words of wisdom my friend


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[Al1969]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Start dating someone who only speaks Spanish.

[Old Expat Beast]

Originally Posted by JSolution

Been learning Spanish for a few months now. Mainly from books, some chatGPT (really useful for this), I use an app called hello talk as well.

Im going to Tenerife for a few days next week so this will be first time practicing with native speakers, I have spoken to some people who speak Spanish and im far from fluent although I have a good grasp of the verbs and grammar. I tend to freeze up a bit because it takes me so long to think about what it is im trying to say. Obviously immersing myself in a Spanish speaking country would be the quickest route possible and I do intend to make my nest few holidays in Spanish speaking countries only.

Anyone have any tips for me? :)

Also I have not touched the subjunctive yet which I know is a really important part of Spanish. I am learning with more of a South American accent as well rather than Spanish.

My conversation level in the two languages I can speak a bit (French and Cantonese) usually improves after a couple of beers.

[TheVTCGuy]

It sounds to me like you are approaching this the best way and getting some results. I lived in Mexico as a teenager, while never taking it in school just being immersed in the culture day to day was an incredible learning experience. I say when you have the chance, speak it as much as possible with the natives and you will be surprised how quickly you pick it up. Good trip!!!!!

[biknut]

Lots of YT videos on conversational Spanish I bet you've discovered, so listen to as much as possible. Native speakers like when we use their language and will be very patient and helpful with you. Encourage everyone to speak Spanish and not English. The imperfect tense is tricky so I'd probably ignore that to begin with. And yes, a couple beers will loosen you up!

[FTX I]

Languages have rhythm and melody. That's far more important than grammar when you're learning. It seems you're already studying so if you want to improve your conversation skills I suggest you watch Univision, Telemundo, UniMás, ESPN Deportes or any other spanish channel the whole day and write down new words and expressions. If you can't do that try to spend at least two or three hours listening to them and I'm sure you'll notice a big difference.

[RichardBartlett]

Depending on whereabouts you stay will greatly affect on how many people you meet who speak Spanish...

If in the Brit tourist area very often waiters barmen are non Spanish etc and those who are will answer in English as they are very busy and "I'm here to serve you, not teach you Spanish"

If you go to the North it's far more Spanish speaking (and German)so it's easier to meet locals, If in the south go 5 minutes above the motorway TF1 it's a much slower pace of life and it's 90% Spanish speaking and they will freely give you their time....

But tbf if you try they will respond but a potential problem is Canarian is a strong accent (like Geordie, the quip is "Canarians speak Spanish with a potato in their mouth") and if they think you speak Spanish they will speed up and up and it all becomes one long verbal blur..Although it is more South American Spanish than Spanish Spanish in the south especially


HTH's

[RichardBartlett]

As regards watches, perfectly safe UNLESS you intend to get totally sh*tfaced in Veronica's and stagger back to the hotel at 04.00am .. Then you become target. So don't wear anything in that case ..

But I never do, so feel perfectly safe here (10 years) walking around

[rickc007]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Start dating someone who only speaks Spanish.

This ^

Now if only I could teach her to test in English

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by enjoythemusic

Start dating someone who only speaks Spanish.

This will be a hard sell to the OP's wife, but I'd love to be a mosca en la pared for that convo.

Spanish was the only honors class that I had ever taken. My professora would put on telenovelas (Mexican soap operas) & we would watch without Spanish subtitles. During the episode, we would write down notes (first in English, then in Spanish later on) about the storyline. This taught us the real-time translation skills needed for dialogue fluidity. In hindsight, she probably just wanted to catch up on missed episodes & turned it into a lesson

TLDR: Watch Spanish shows on YouTube first with ENG subtitles, then with SPA subtitles, then with no subtitles. This will help compound your knowledge. You need to submerge & immerse yourself in SPA language. That's the best way to learn.