“No saber ni papa de algo” in Spanish is literally translated to “not knowing a potato about something.” This can be used when talking about something you have no clue about. In this case, it may or may not be the Spanish language you have no clue about. But do not worry, the famous saying bluntly paraphrased to ‘even the longest journey begins with a single step’ might just come in handy in this case. 

Learning Spanish will be of your advantage, whether you are already pursuing your qualifications in Spain, are planning to do so in the future, or you simply want to learn the language, because, honestly, being bilingual (or multilingual) is just so much fun! Nowadays, we have access to endless possibilities, whether it is learning a new skill, a new language, or making new friends (across the ocean).

Sometimes, ‘a journey of a thousand miles’ begins with a single search online. Luckily, the search has brought you to this article, so keep reading to find out how to learn Spanish quickly!

Is Spanish Hard to Learn?

Being a widely spoken language, Spanish is easy to learn especially if you’re an English speaker. Because of its practicality and extensive reach, Spanish has long been a go-to language for English speakers to learn. 

When English speakers claim that Spanish is simple to learn, it is true because it is a phonetic language. Spanish pronunciation is likewise quite simple. Since it is a phonetic language, that means that the majority of its words are spoken the same way they’re written. But on the grammatical aspect, you should know that there are several distinct verb tenses and exceptions to grammatical norms in Spanish, which might be perplexing. However, the tenses are mostly the same as those used in English, so they’re not as tough to master as you may imagine. 

Once you’ve mastered the simple principles and how to pronounce the letters, you’ll be able to read Spanish aloud and be understood. There are also a lot of cognates, so it’s simple to pick up a lot of vocabulary early on in the learning process. Verb conjugation in the present tense requires some thought, but most students have a firm handle on it after about a month of study. With a devoted concentration on remembering vocabulary and practicing fundamental grammar, one may travel on vacation to one of the world’s 20+ wonderful Spanish-speaking nations and get by.

But… if you aim to learn Spanish for discussing profound topics and elaborating more insightful thoughts, then Spanish gets harder to learn. One of the most difficult ideas for English speakers to grasp is the right and comprehensive usage of the subjunctive. It is also one of the most crucial concepts required for any genuine and beyond-the-skin-deep communication. There is also the use of the passive voice, which must be acquired in order to be proficient in Spanish, although it is frequently discouraged in English and therefore “beaten” out of us.

Here are the top three reasons why Spanish is not hard to learn:

• The Latin alphabet. The Latin alphabet is used in the Spanish language, therefore there is no need to learn a different alphabet or characters, as in other languages.
• Similar pronunciation to English. Almost half of the letters in the Spanish alphabet are pronounced similarly to those in the English alphabet. 
• Words are read as they are written. Words in Spanish are read as they are written, this means that pronunciation doesn’t change. 

How Long Does It Take to Learn Spanish?

According to the Language Difficulty Rankings tool of the US Foreign Service Institute, it is stated that the English language speakers will learn Spanish in about 24 weeks or 575-600 hours. If your native language is drastically different from Spanish, then the learning process might take a little longer.

This question depends on a number of factors, your determination, mother tongue, method of learning, as well as the kind of resources you plan to use, and how frequently you plan to practice. For example, if you study Spanish consistently and devote an hour every day to it, you will undoubtedly become a competent speaker of the language within at least a year. This implies that you are attending Spanish classes at least twice a week and spending the rest of your time completing homework and reviewing what you have learned.

Spanish, as the language of summer songs, is not as easy as it may seem. But there are always some paths that deliver you to the “acquisition” of this language and those include:

• Moving to a Spanish-speaking country.
• Speaking Spanish with online friends or family members.
• Attempting a job that does not need significant Spanish language skills.

A cool tip to learn Spanish faster is to not stick to only one method of learning and use a variety of resources. With the right motivation and time management strategies as a committed learner, you may reach an intermediate level of Spanish in a few months. 

Easiest Way to Learn Spanish

The easiest way to learn Spanish is by speaking and listening to Spanish daily, regardless of your beginner status. Immerse yourself in the Spanish language. As cliche as it may sound, it is true! Doing something repeatedly will make you an expert.

You must not rush yourself into the fantasy of learning the Spanish language as fast as furious. Take it day by day! Longer lengths of time are great for focusing on vocabulary and learning Spanish pronunciations. And all language learners benefit the most from sessions that include plenty of immersion interactions with native speakers.

Here’s the easiest way to learn Spanish:

• Practice on Monday.
• Practice on Tuesday.
• Practice on Wednesday.
• Practice on Thursday.
• Practice on Friday.
• Practice on Saturday.
• Practice on Sunday.

Even if Sunday is your rest-day, try to listen to Spanish music while driving the car, doing chores, or taking a walk. Watch a Spanish movie or tv show. Play online games and set the language to Spanish. Speak to native speakers online. There is so much you can do to not make learning Spanish seem like a chore!

Can I Learn Spanish Online?

In today’s era, there isn’t almost a single thing you cannot do online, and yes you can learn the Spanish language online. Although it’s never simple to learn a new language, you can find some online Spanish schools which provide you with plenty of opportunities to practice speaking. All you need is a computer, an Internet connection, and a passion for Spanish. 

It takes effort to learn Spanish for beginners, but online Spanish lessons may be both achievable and pleasant. The greatest online Spanish classroom allows you to communicate, play games, and interact. You may strike up a conversation, debate concerns, and find cultural connections.

Here is how you can learn Spanish online, from the comfort of your home:

Hire a Spanish Tutor 

Hiring a Spanish-speaking tutor always makes sense, they will guide you on many subjects of the Spanish language. There are always complex parts of a tongue, grammar, syntax, lexicology, and everything in between. The effectiveness of acquiring a new language will be determined by two major factors: the actions taken by you and the methods utilized by the Spanish tutor. 

The actions that you demonstrate when practicing consistently, the investigation that you conduct on your own rather than being assigned by your tutor, and the research for additional material that will help your learning can make a significant difference in the effectiveness of how much you’re actually understanding and applying in real-life situations. In other words, your personal learning passion has a direct impact on your effectiveness.

Here’s why hiring a private native Spanish tutor makes sense: 

• Spanish is part of their personality.
• Phrasing, jargon, and other terms are a breeze for them.
• They have first-hand cultural knowledge i.e.:
  • Gastronomical variation, 
  • Musical diversity, 
  • Tourist attractions, etc.

Take Online Courses

Online courses are more flexible than traditional courses. You can learn a language at your own pace, have a more structured class and make use of unlimited resources. In absence of in-person learning with an actual certified course teacher, online courses give you the freedom to use the sources and choose the ideal study methodology that best suits your schedule and budget. 

For a faster and more effective outcome, you should decide beforehand on the level of language proficiency you want to achieve in a certain period.

Here’s how to decide on the best online course: 

• Understand your learning style and your focus points (speaking, listening, reading, or writing). 
• Choose whether you want a one-on-one with an online instructor or self-learning courses. 
• Test different online learning courses and see which one is right for you based on the structure, tasks, and intensity of the course.        

Here are some of the best Spanish online courses (for free or on a budget): 

• Coursera. One of the most popular online learning courses for becoming fluent in Spanish and improving both your vocabulary and grammar. Although the courses are free, you need to pay to be fully certified. 

• Alison. This online course is best for those who want to focus on their basic communication skills, such as tourism. Plus, it is completely free. 

• edX. Ideal for those interested in a more efficient and professional language level outcome. Offered by Harvard and MIT, it provides learners with advanced courses in Spanish. However, you need to pay for a final certificate. 

Purchase Books in Spanish

Another great resource for making the most out of your Spanish learning experience includes reading books as was mentioned earlier in the article. Depending on your hometown or the country you are currently living in, you may not have easy access to books in Spanish, so the next best option is purchasing books online. 

Online reading can also be beneficial if you do not wish to spend a lot of money and time searching for the book you want. Buying books online can be much cheaper than hardcover, and there are rental options available on various websites. 

Below you will find some of the most popular websites to buy books in Spanish, including children’s books for beginners. 

• Lil’Libros 
• Lee and Low Books
• LA Liberia
• Books del Sur 
• Cinco Books
• Amazon

Download Spanish Language Apps 

We have been making use of the advantages that modern technology and smart devices have to offer. Learning a new language has never been easier with all the online applications available, especially one of the most entertaining languages: Spanish. 

Below is a list of some of the most popular and efficient Spanish language apps to consider:

• Duolingo. Both entertaining and an efficient learning app that offers a wide variety of tasks through games and activities. Most importantly, you can easily track your progress and go back to finished lessons for more practice. For a more advanced program, you have to subscribe monthly to Duolingo Plus. 

• Babbel. This app offers monthly or yearly subscription plans, depending on the level you want to achieve your goals. Babel is known for its expertise in offering the fastest methodologies for learning Spanish. 

• FluentU. Ideal for those whose learning style is through audio and visuals. You can choose original videos and/or podcasts and select your favorite. The first two weeks are for free. 

Here are some other language apps that might interest you: 

• Busuu
• LingoPie
• Pimsleur
• Memrise
• Brain Pop: Película del Día
• FabuLingua 

Spanish Language Grammar

Grammar of any language can be intimidating, especially when you are a beginner. However, rules are there to help you master the language in the most professional way possible. If you are a native or fluent English speaker, you will be happy to learn that Spanish grammar is much simpler and you can take advantage of the flexibility that it offers. 

Here are some essential Spanish grammar facts you should know: 

• The most important grammar rule to introduce yourself to, is the simple word order: Subject, Verb, Sentence.  Example: Me llamo Mondly – My name is Mondly. 
• All Spanish nouns have a gender, both feminine and masculine. They use definite articles in front of the noun to define gender. El and un for masculine nouns; la or una  for feminine nouns. Example: el perro – the male dogs; la gata – the female cat. 
• On the contrary to English grammar, adjectives in Spanish are used after the noun they modify. Example: La nina alta. – The tall girl.

Subject Pronouns

There are 12 subject pronouns in Spanish that are used instead of nouns and names to avoid repetition. Examples: 

Tenses

There are a total of 18 tenses in Spanish, and we have listed them below together with their English equivalents. 

Spanish Alphabet 

To master the speaking aspect of the Spanish language you must learn how to pronounce the words. That is made possible by learning the basics first, such as the alphabet and how the letters sound. You must know that after learning the alphabet it will be easier for you to also improve your writing and spelling skills. 

Officially, there are 27 letters in the Spanish alphabet and they include a,b,c,d e, f, g, h, i, j, k, l, m, n, ñ, o, p, q, r, s, t, u, v, w, x, y, z. There are also three unofficial letters: ch, ll, and rr. Below you will find a table with the alphabet letters and how they are pronounced. 

Spanish Numbers

As with any other language, the introductory lessons include learning the numbers and how to count in Spanish. Learning how to count in Spanish is a crucial but very easy and quick task to learn. You want to start with the first 10 numbers to make your journey simple and take it step-by-step. 

Here is how to count to 10 in Spanish: 

*Uno changes to un when you put it in front of a noun: un perro (a dog). 

You should know that it is better to learn how to count to 15 and remember them by heart, after which you can form the rest of the numbers to 20 by adding 10 (diez) + number. For example:

After 20, you can follow the tens pattern you learned at the beginning of your counting lesson and add to the following: 

Listed below are numbers until 1000: 

*After 100, the word cien changes to ciento. And after 200, we add an “s” to make it plural.

Spanish Phrases

If you wish to become fluent in no time in Spanish, and be able to understand the daily spoken language, learning the most-used phrases is the way to go. It is always advisable to start with some basic expressions so you can be able to communicate easily with Spanish speakers and navigate easily through Spain if you ever have the opportunity to. 

Except for Spain, there are 20 other countries in the world where Spanish is the main spoken language. Whether you are traveling as a tourist, for work, or for different reasons, learning a few Spanish words and phrases can only benefit you. 

Here are some basic phrases in Spanish to get you started:

• Hola – Hello 

• Adiós – Goodbye 

• Por favor – Please 

• Gracias – Thank you

• Lo siento – Sorry

• Salud – Bless you (used after someone sneezes) 

• Si – Yes

• No – No 

• Quién? – Who?

• Qué? –  What?

• Por qué? – Why?

• Dónde? – Where? 

• Buenos días – Good morning
• Buenas tardes – Good afternoon
• Buenas noches – Good evening
• Hola, me llamo Juan – Hello, my name is John
• Me llamo… – My name is…
• Cómo te llamas? – What’s your name?
• Mucho gusto – Nice to meet you
• Cómo estás? – How are you?
• Estoy bien, gracias – I’m well thank you
• Disculpa. Dónde está el baño? – Excuse me. Where is the bathroom?
• Qué hora es? – What time is it?
• Cómo se dice ‘concert’ en español? – How do you say ‘concert’ in Spanish?
• Estoy perdido/a – I am lost
• Yo no comprendo – I do not understand
• Por favor, habla más despacio – Would you speak slower, please
• Te extraño – I miss you
• Te quiero – I love you

Spanish Conversation Starters 

After learning the basic words and phrases needed for basic communication and comprehension, you can actually initiate a conversation as a form of “breaking the ice” with those who speak only in Spanish. 

Here are some of our favorite conversation starters: 

Hola! ¿Sabes a qué hora cierra este lugar? – Hello! Do you know what time this place closes? 

Está desocupada esta silla? – Is this seat taken?

Sabe qué hora es? – Do you know what the time is?

Sabe dónde está el/la [place]? – Do you know where the [place] is?

De dónde eres? – Where are you from?

A qué te dedicas? – What do you do for a living? 

Qué estudias? – What do you study/What’s your major? (if you’re a student/speaking to a student) 

Qué te trae por aquí? – What brings you here? 

A quién conoces aquí? – Who do you know here?

Vienes seguido por aquí? – Do you come here often?

Funny Spanish Words 

In the process of learning a foreign language, regardless of the reason, there is always the curiosity to find out what are some of the funniest or funny-sounding words. You usually look for these words or phrases in the daily spoken language of native speakers that may sound funny in English or in both languages. 

Below are some words and phrases that you may find odd or funny. 

• “No saber ni papa de algo.”

Literal translation: Not knowing a potato about something.

Meaning: To not have a clue about something. 

• “Tirar/Botar la casa por la ventana.” 

Literal translation: To throw the house out of the window. 

Meaning: To spare no expense when you are organizing a big party or celebration.

• “Ponerse las pilas.” 

Literal translation: To put in the batteries. 

Meaning: Someone tells you to “wake up” when you appear not focused. 

• “Ser pan comido.” 

Literal translation: To be eaten bread. 

Meaning: When something is easy to do. “A piece of cake”. 

• “Tomar el pelo.” 

Literal translation: To take someone else’s hair. 

Meaning: Used when you are teasing somebody. “Pulling your leg.” 

• “Que pedo!.” 

Literal translation: What fart! 

Meaning: Depending on the tone it can either mean “what’s up?” in a nice way or “what’s your problem?” when something doesn’t feel right. 

• “Creerse la última Coca-Cola del desierto.” 

Literal translation: To think of oneself as the last coca-cola in the desert. 

Meaning: To describe someone who is full of themselves. Believe they are more important than they actually are. “Stuck-up”. 

Spanish Idioms 

The better you become at the Spanish language, you start to familiarize yourself with the native speakers. All foreign languages have their own expressions and traditional sayings which are impossible to understand if you do not integrate yourself with the culture. As such, idioms are the most convenient method to fully incorporate Spanish into your everyday life. 

Although all languages have their idioms, in Spanish they may differ according to the region. However, we have listed below some of the most often used idioms in Spanish, to help you feel like a true native speaker. 

Spanish Slang

Every country and culture has its own slang/everyday expressions that get updated often. If you are on a work trip in Spain, visiting or going on a study abroad program, you want to learn how to speak like the locals. 

We are here to help you with some of the most common Spanish slang so you can be prepared beforehand. 

Spanish Jokes

When you like a joke you definitely want to hear it again and again. The action of repeating will definitely help you memorize and learn it. Even when you listen to a joke you try to memorize it with the intention of telling it to someone else and making him/her laugh. 

In Spanish, there are several varieties of jokes. Some are based on a word’s dual meaning. Other jokes make use of how sounds mix or how the meaning of a term changes when its gender is altered. There are other jokes that focus on individual characters or structures. A nice example of a character is Pepito jokes. Jokes with three sections, Primer Acto – Segundo Acto – Tercer Acto, have a similar pattern to knock-knock jokes in English.

Here are some examples of Spanish jokes and their English translation: 

1. The Lazy fish: Qué hace el pez perezoso? ¡Nada! 

Translation:  What does a lazy fish do? Nothing! Or he swims!

Explanation: “Nada” in Spanish can be used for both “nothing” and for third-person “to swim”.

2. The Dancing Bee: Qué hace una abeja en el gimnasio? Zumba! 

Translation: What does a bee do at the gym? Zumba!

Explanation: Zumba is the sound that the bee makes. 

3. A beach saying hello: ¿Qué dice el mar a la playa? ¡Ola! 

Translation: What did a beach say to the ocean? Hi!

Explanation: “Ola” in Spanish means wave and “Hola” means hello. Beach says hi to waves. 

• The talking roof: Qué le dijo un techo a otro techo? Techo de menos. 

Translation: What did one roof say to the other roof? I miss you.

Explanation: “Techo” means roof, and sounds similar to “te echo menos” which means “I miss you”.

Spanish Food 

Spanish people are known for their passion for food and you will leave the country with more than one favorite dish and restaurant. Whether you are visiting Spanish-speaking countries for fun or you just want to know more about the Spanish culture, knowing their typical food names is also a fun and educational way to learn the language. 

Here are a few of the most known Spanish foods: 

• Gazpacho. Is a kind of soup with red ripped tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, bread, peppers, and cucumber which are served in a bowl or glasses. It is most common in southern Spain. 

• Paella. Famous in the Valencia region for being one of the most traditional dishes. Ingredients used include chicken or rabbit, saffron, runner and/or butter beans. 

• Fideuà. Not many tourists are aware of this dish. It resembles Spanish pasta however it includes mostly seafood and it is most popular in Catalonia and Valencia. 

• Tortilla. The famous Spanish omelet is also included in the traditional foods of Spain. It usually consists of chorizo, peppers, and onions, however, you can add other ingredients as you prefer. To make this dish the original way, you must flip the pan and shout “Ole!” to feel like a true Spaniard. 

• Croquetas. Served on small plates, this dish is made of bechamel sauce with breadcrumbs and is usually served with a cold beer in bars. 

• Migas. It mostly consists of dry breadcrumbs, fried according to preference and served with bacon. 

• Leche frita. A famous Spanish dessert made from frying milk together with egg yolks and flour. After letting it chill for a couple of hours, they usually dip it in breadcrumbs to finally fry it again. 

Color Names in Spanish 

Last but not least, to make your Spanish learning journey even more enjoyable you must add a little “color” to your vocabulary, literally. Understanding the colors in Spanish improves your basic vocabulary skills and helps you in your daily conversations. 

We have provided a list of the most common colors and their English equivalent. 

• Blue – Azul 

• Red – Rojo 

• Pink – Rosado 

• Orange – Anaranjado 

• Green – Verde

• Purple – Morado 

• Yellow – Amarillo 

• Brown – Marrón
• Black – Negro