How to learn Spanish translation

By Catalogs Editorial Staff

Here's how to learn Spanish translation effectively with a variety of methods

Here’s how to learn Spanish translation effectively with a variety of methods

While there are a few lucky people who pick up languages easily, most people struggle to learn a second or third language. Unfortunately, there?s no magic bullet to make the process easier. It takes practice, dedication and a few good resources.

Figuring out how to learn Spanish translation in a way that works for you takes time. Some people excel in a classroom, while others do best with self-guided learning. Today, there are numerous language courses and websites designed to help busy adults learn Spanish at your own pace.

First things first, though. Know that this will take effort and, as they say, practice, practice, practice! The beauty of learning a language is that the more time you put into it, the more you?ll get out of it. One week you?re slogging through conjugations and the next week you?re speaking full sentences with exciting fluidity.

Now on to the nuts and bolts of language learning. These tips will help you take one of the most important steps ? beginning. Once you break the ice, stay open to trying out different methods of learning until you find one that works for you.

You already know more than you think you know

They may not sound very similar at first, but a large percentage of English and Spanish words are derived from Latin. Before looking up a translation of a new word, take a wild guess. This will train your mind to really pay attention to the language.

Granted, you?re bound to guess wrong more often than not at first. Always look up the word to understand the correct translation. This process also helps you retain more so you?ll build up your vocabulary faster.

Practice with a native speaker

One of the most effective ways for how to learn Spanish translation is to converse with native speakers. Likewise, many Spanish speakers are happy to work on their English. While most cities and towns in the U.S. have countless Spanish speakers, you can also find locate language buddies on sites like Meetup.com.

Learn how to say hello (hint: Hola!) and start chatting.

Enjoy Spanish entertainment

Many non-English speakers say they learned the language by watching English movies and television. This method works and it sure beats flashcards. Head to the library and check out some Spanish DVDs and music CDs. Sports fans should check out soccer on Telemundo.

You?ll not only pick up useful words and phrases, but proper inflections. Another huge advantage of watching the movies and telenovelas is how they help you develop an ear for the language. Conversations are a two-way street, so learning how to listen and comprehend what someone is saying is equally important.

Schedule weekly lessons

Whether you?re taking a class or teaching yourself, consistency is crucial in staying committed to this. Learning a language isn?t a picnic. When it gets challenging, this schedule will keep you coming back to the table.

Schedule several time blocks throughout the week and stick to them. Glancing at a language book sporadically won?t do you any favors. If you?re bored with the lessons, shake things up. Go try out some Spanish on your new language buddies over a cup of caf? con leche.

Turn your home into study buddy

Grab some post-its and label the items in your home by the Spanish word. You don?t have a door, you have a la puerta! Don?t work at the desk, work at your el escritorio.

Figuring out how to learn Spanish translation in a way that suits your learning style takes patience at first. For every two new words you learn, you?ll want to go back and review the last ten. Have faith!

Set reasonable goals for yourself ? like learning ten verbs a week – and celebrate as you achieve them.