Free Spanish Lessons & Study Resources
So you want to learn Spanish. Fantastic! Spanish is one of the most popular languages in the world. It’s spoken by four hundred million people in more than twenty countries. Nearly half the people in the Western Hemisphere speak Spanish.
Start With The Basics
This site includes lessons and resources for students of all levels. However, beginners should start with the basics: how to pronounce Spanish words, the alphabet, how to count in Spanish and common words and phrases. Then move on to the grammar lessons and vocabulary builders.
Also be sure to check out these study tips and techniques.
Not sure what your level is? Take this assessment test.
Learn New Words And Phrases
Did you know that Spanish and English share a number of common words? These words are called cognates. Use them as foundation for developing your vocabulary.
Of course you’ll need to know basic things such as how to tell time and express the date and how to make telephone calls. Then you can add words to your vocabulary by selecting a theme from our vocabulary center.
Some of the most fun vocabulary is found “in the street” where real people speak Spanish. So check out this guide to Spanish slang, which includes swear words and insults, and these amusing Spanish idioms.
Who Says Grammar Is Boring?
Sure, studying grammar is not the most fun aspect of language learning. But it is a necessary evil. For example, if you want to master the language, you’ll need to know how to form and use past participles, how to use the future tense and how to make comparisons in Spanish.
If you are planning a trip to Argentina, you’ll want to know how to use the pronoun vos in place of tú.
Here’s an interactive lesson that changes every week.
Consider Studying Abroad
For those thinking about taking an immersion program in Mexico or elsewhere, I’ve included personal stories about my Spanish studies abroad.
Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to study Spanish in three Latin countries: Mexico, Panama and Argentina. My immersion in Mexico and my immersion in Argentina were both unforgettable and I learned a ton of Spanish. Panama, however, was a different story and I don’t recommend Panama City as a destination for Spanish immersion studies.
By the way, if you are planning a trip to Argentina you can get lots of excellent tips on things to do, apartments and accommodations, restaurants, safety, and shopping at BAtips.com.
Useful Study Tools
It’s not enough to have the desire to learn a new language, you also need a few tools and resources to help make it easy. The first thing you need is a good Spanish-English dictionary. I’ve reviewed them on this site. Plus you can find out which online dictionaries are best. You also need at least one good grammar book. Some people find it easier to learn with the aid of software.
Courses and courseware are extremely popular and here is a list of the Top 5 Spanish Courses and a side by side comparison of the Best Downloadable Spanish Courses. Here’s a review of Rocket Spanish and a review of Synergy Spanish. Rosetta Stone is a good course but it is expensive. Here’s a list of inexpensive alternatives to Rosetta Stone. It’s always a good idea to “try before you buy” so here is a list of free trial offers from popular Spanish courses.
When you have a question you need answered, forums and message boards are a good place to turn.
And since you are using your computer as a study aid, you will want instructions on how to type Spanish accents on your PC or Mac.
Take A Break, You Deserve It
Tired of studying? Kick back and read one of these Spanish newspapers online.