The Best Way to Learn Spanish Fast

With a vibrant online market with tools and resources to help you study, there has never been a better time to learn Spanish. Don’t just take our word for it, see the global nature and growth of Spanish with the facts and figures below to find out why you should learn Spanish!

What's the best way to learn Spanish?

As you already know, we are huge advocates of studying Spanish online. Our news-based lessons cover a wide variety of topics from beginner to advanced levels and there’s a whole host of features to aid your study.

We’d also recommend a variety of other tools to help you study Spanish, such as…

1. Study with an online Spanish graded newspaper, such as Newsdle.

   Studying with graded news is a great way to learn Spanish as you get exposure to authentic content that you'll love.

2. Spaced repetition (SRS) flashcard software.

   Spaced repetition software tests you more on words you remember less. It’ll keep your vocabulary learning in check. Organise your words into groups to not feel overwhelmed! Try our flashcard feature in your Review tab (our centre for vocab study).

3. Switch your email inbox to Spanish! Feeling brave? Why not also turn your phone system language to Spanish.

   Using platforms that are already familiar to you to further your study is a great way to learn.

4. Use an online dictionary tool.

   Online dictionary tools give you translations of Spanish native level texts in action. This can be particularly helpful for deciphering lesser-known words or phrases to see them in context. We’ve even seen legal phrases and poetic translations with these tools!

5. Try a learning Spanish browser extension to help you study Spanish as you browse the web.

   Building your Spanish learning into your daily routine can help break down the barriers of studying.

6. Listen to Spanish podcasts on Spotify, or other streaming platforms.

   This can give great exposure to Spanish and Latin American culture and you can listen in the background as you work or exercise.

7. Watch Spanish TV and films across YouTube and Netflix.

   Make the most of all the tools available!

8. Get an online tutor!

   You can find online tutors to help you study Spanish from the comfort of your own home. Some services even give you immediate access to a teacher, although we would always recommend developing a relationship with one teacher who can get to know your study style, strengths and weaknesses.

9. Meet a Spanish language partner online.

   In exchange for teaching them some English (or another native language) you can have them help with any Spanish you are unsure of, or practice general conversation. A great way to meet people! Just be sure to follow appropriate steps to keep safe online and use a reputable online service. Don’t give out personal details.

10. Learn to sing Spanish songs!

    Learning to sing in a foreign language isn’t only a great way to have fun and get the endorphins (the brain’s ‘feel good’ chemicals) flowing. It’s also a great way to learn vocabulary in context.

Why should I learn Spanish? 

Spanish is spoken by over 430 million native speakers around the world. There’s also over 180 million people who learn Spanish as a second language worldwide. In the last decade, the number of Spanish speakers has risen by 30% and the number of second language learners has grown by more than 60%. This incredible growth is testament to Spanish’s position as a truly global language and the future looks bright for people who choose to study Spanish as a second language.

In the US alone, 75% of US high school students study Spanish (7.3 million+ students!).

Spanish is the third most used language online and second after English in the publish of academic papers. It’s the second most spoken language in the world, behind Mandarin Chinese!

Did you know? Spanish is the official language of 20 countries, as well as of the US territory of Puerto Rico.

Spanish will not only open you up to a world of travel and the ability to meet more people. It’s also a key language in business globally. Learning a second (or third) language can seriously boost your career prospects and lead to greater salaries.

If that wasn’t enough, a study by Northwestern University showed that bilingual people are better at multitasking and problem solving. Learning Spanish will give you greater confidence and help to unlock your creativity!

A survey by American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) recently showed that employers are crying out for multilingual employees. 47% of the employers surveyed reported that the language skills are needed primarily for the domestic (US) marketplace, so don’t think you’ll have to travel far to use your language skills. Although of course there’s plenty of opportunity abroad, too!

With the move to online, resources have become more accessible than ever. At Newsdle, we provide daily news-based lessons for students of all levels and interests to learn Spanish. You can access across our website or app, so you can truly study at your convenience. Busy day? Build a 10-minute study session into your trip on the bus. Got an evening to spare? Log into the website and delve deeper into the content! By breaking down your studying into manageable chunks. You’ll be surprised at how quickly you can progress with modern tools!

For employment in the US, the most in-demand languages are Spanish (85%), French (22%) and Mandarin Chinese (34%). Don’t forget that Newsdle also covers French! If you study Mandarin Chinese, be sure to check out our sister platform, The Chairman’s Bao.

If Spanish music or tv/films are your thing, use YouTube or other popular streaming services to have millions of hours of native Spanish content right at your fingertips.

Tip: don’t forget to use all the features, such as subtitles and the ability to pause/rewind to your advantage. It’s your study session and nobody else’s, so you’ve got to own it!

How long does it take to learn Spanish?

Although native-level fluency is a lifelong quest, conversational fluency can be achieved with consistent, daily study in a matter of 2-3 years. We would advise aiming for 1 hour a day for 2-3 years and then re-evaluate your successes and aims.

These are two important definitions of fluency we need to know when it comes to learning a language.

Conversational fluency comes when you can speak and listen to the vast majority of what you would need for everyday conversation. You’ll also have an ability to question words you are unsure of in Spanish and interpret the answers. Your pronunciation will also be clear and accurate to a native speaker.

Native-level fluency is achieved when you can understand almost everything you hear or read. You would still not be expected to be able to hold a conversation on a hugely specific topic (such as astrophysics) but you would be able to live using Spanish, have perfect pronunciation and be able to express yourself fluently on any general topic. You would also be able to study any topic in Spanish, such as a college degree or reading to understand very specific topics.

There is no shortcut to success when studying a language. It’s also said that learning a language is a lifelong process and we would certainly agree. That said, it’s good to set yourself achievable aims and to recognize your successes along the way.

Study with material that interests you and helps to keep you engaged. Study across a variety of methods to keep your attention. The days of learning through the translation of long texts alone are over, so be sure to make the most of all the tools that are available online to help you in your quest for fluency in Spanish!

How to learn Spanish fast

1. Use every opportunity you can and don’t be afraid to make mistakes!

   The key to learning Spanish fast is surrounding yourself as much as you can with the language. Of course, this is easier if you are in a Spanish speaking country. But, if you’re not you shouldn’t let that distract you! You can use our tips above to build learning Spanish into your daily life as much as possible. Make as many mistakes as you need to and learn from them.

2. Use online resources

   You’ll find a whole heap of resources online making false promises such as “learn Spanish fluently in six weeks” and “learn Spanish in one minute a day”. The reality is, there is no substitute to consistent and prolonged study when learning Spanish. Study little and often and study with as many immersive methods as you can.

3. Build firm foundations

   Don’t neglect firm foundations of pronunciation when you start to learn Spanish. This will not only help you be understood, but it’ll also help you understand people who are speaking to you in Spanish. Skip this step and you’ll lose out on vital vocabulary through conversation as you progress.

Tip: There is no substitute for conversation when remembering vocabulary. Once you have used a word or phrase in conversation a few times, it’ll stick! Don’t get caught up on trying to remember the same words over and over. Tools such as the spaced repetition (SRS) flashcards mentioned above can also keep you on track with this.

Learn to speak Spanish

Once you have pronunciation under your belt, learn some common phrases to start speaking Spanish. You can also learn about gendered nouns and their importance in Spanish language. It’s important to walk before you can run, so learning these basics will stand you in good stead for the future.

Practice your Spanish speaking daily. If you don’t take formal classes, you can use online tools or use a diction machine to record your voice. Listen back and correct your pronunciation as much as possible.

Learning to speak Spanish is more important than seeking perfection. Don’t get caught up on any mistakes and remember to praise the successes!

Tip: There is no substitute for conversations with a native speaker, so why not find a supportive language exchange partner? You may even make a friend in the process!

Make learning fun. When you’re feeling more confident, it’s time to take your Spanish speaking to the next level. Start to have conversations about topics that interest you. You’ll also likely find some of the words are the same in Spanish as they are in English. Studying topics that interest you help to keep you engaged and aid retention.

How to learn Spanish as an adult

For adults it’s even more important to use all the tools you can to build Spanish learning into your daily (busy) routine. Actively choosing to learn Spanish as an adult can have huge benefits. How many students who study languages in school don’t choose to do so? The fact that you have decided to study Spanish as an adult already gives you an advantage in this regard.

Make Education Technology (EdTech) platforms, such as Newsdle, ayour friend! That way you’ll be able to break your study into manageable chunks to fit your busy timetable. You have total control over your Spanish learning journey compared to people studying in formal courses. Shape your Spanish study to suit your interests and lifestyle. Be your own boss!

You could also find a local Spanish speaking meet-up. This is a great way to meet new, like-minded people and study Spanish in context.

Change your devices (phone, tablet and email client) to Spanish. These platforms that you’re already familiar with will then teach you Spanish through absorption. If you get stuck, just switch them back to complete the task you need, before flipping them back!

Of course, you could also invest in a Spanish course locally. Many local governments and colleges offer language learning schemes at a reasonable price, so be sure to check what’s on offer in your local area.

There are plenty of reasons to learn Spanish as an adult, such as to improve career prospects, travel, to work abroad, to embrace Spanish and Latin American culture… who knows, you might even be lucky in love and find a Spanish speaking partner!

We hope that gives you the impetus you need to start your Spanish learning journey! Remember that it’s your journey and you can shape it how you want. Remember to celebrate the successes and learn from all of the (inevitable and welcome) mistakes.

Enjoyed this blog? If you’d like to learn more about Newsdle, visit our homepage to explore our free, sample content to learn Spanish online with news.