Spanish is the most studied second language in the United States and Spanish immersion programs in elementary schools are often the launching pad. Many people begin learning it in middle or high school, but most never reach a level where they can truly communicate. I studied Spanish for all four years of high school and still have almost nothing to show for it except for a few basic phrases. My relationship with the language never extended beyond the classroom, and therefore never became truly practical. So, where did I go wrong?

I needed expert advice, so I turned to two polyglots who speak multiple languages. Here are their tricks to learning Spanish (or any language).

Connect It To Your Life

Don’t separate your language study from the rest of your life — you’re not learning Spanish just to talk about learning Spanish. Instead, think of Spanish as a way to enhance your daily life: Change the language settings on your phone or computer to Spanish, watch Spanish-language movies and TV shows (with Spanish subtitles, not English), get your news or celebrity gossip from Spanish websites, listen to Spanish-language podcasts, or watch YouTube videos in Spanish on topics that already interest you. If you integrate Spanish into activities you already do, studying will become a natural habit rather than a dreaded task.

Additionally, try labeling objects around your house with their Spanish names. This can help reinforce vocabulary in a practical, everyday context. When you walk into a room, you’ll be surrounded by the Spanish names for common items, which can help you associate words with objects and actions more effectively. Consistency is key, and by incorporating Spanish into your daily activities, you’ll find yourself thinking and speaking in Spanish more often.

Connect To Native Speakers

The best way to immerse yourself in Spanish is to spend time around native speakers. If you have any friends who speak Spanish, try to get them to speak it with you during your hangouts. If you eat at a Spanish-speaking restaurant, try ordering in Spanish. If you travel to Spanish-speaking countries, don’t automatically fall back on asking, “Do you speak English?” You need to practice what you’re learning, and speaking is always the best way to do that. Once you can hold a basic conversation, find a Spanish-speaking group or club to continue practicing and enjoy a hobby in Spanish.

Moreover, language exchanges are a great way to meet native speakers and practice Spanish in a low-pressure setting. Online platforms offer opportunities to connect with people from around the world who are willing to trade language skills. This way, you can improve your Spanish while helping someone else learn your native language. Regular conversations with native speakers help you improve your fluency, comprehension, and confidence, and it also exposes you to regional variations in the language.

All Roads Lead To Rome

Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, and Romanian are all Romance languages that evolved from Latin. They share such similar vocabulary, syntax, and grammar that they can almost be considered siblings. This made it easier for some people to start learning Spanish, but they still had to focus on making language practice a part of their daily routine.

On the other hand, English speakers may feel at a disadvantage since English evolved from Anglo-Saxon, a Germanic language. However, English shares a lot of vocabulary with Spanish, thanks to influences from French and Latin. For example, the phrase “la proclamación de la democracia” is almost the same in English, and similar overlaps allow you to learn multiple languages simultaneously. Even though English and Spanish are from different language families, there’s still plenty of common ground in their vocabulary and structure.

In addition, the existence of cognates — words that look similar and have the same meaning in both languages — makes learning Spanish easier for English speakers. For example, words like “hotel,” “restaurant,” and “important” are almost identical in both languages. As you progress, recognizing these cognates will speed up your learning, giving you a solid foundation to build upon as you encounter new vocabulary.

The Imitation Game

To master the Spanish accent, you need to listen carefully to native speakers and mimic what you hear. Think of it as method acting: you’re not just learning words, you’re attempting to embody the character. Expose yourself to Spanish as much as possible, and try to imitate the voices and accents you hear as accurately as you can. At first, it may feel awkward, like you’re doing a bad impression, but with time, the correct pronunciation will become second nature.

In addition, pay attention to the rhythm and intonation of Spanish. The musicality of the language is often what makes it sound beautiful to the ear. Mimicking the way native speakers use stress and pitch in their sentences will not only improve your accent but also help you sound more natural. Practice reading out loud, listening to podcasts or audiobooks, and repeating what you hear until it feels smooth and comfortable.

Another great tip is to shadow native speakers, meaning you try to speak at the exact same time they are. This technique forces you to focus on pronunciation, rhythm, and fluency simultaneously. It’s one of the quickest ways to develop a more native-like accent and build confidence in your speaking abilities.

Jump Right In!

The above tips will only work if you simply begin learning. Don’t wait for tomorrow — start today! It’s fine to begin with short sessions, like just 15 minutes a day. Combine daily study with the above tricks, and you’ll find yourself speaking real Spanish before you know it!

Starting now, even with small steps, is crucial. Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint, and the key is consistency. The more often you practice, even for short bursts, the more progress you’ll make. Additionally, be patient with yourself. It’s okay to make mistakes, as they are an essential part of the learning process. The important thing is to keep going and not get discouraged. As you progress, you’ll notice improvements that will encourage you to keep pushing forward.