Tips and advice shared by tutors for learning Spanish

¡Hola! ¿Cómo te llamas? You’ve probably noticed that Spanish reflexive verbs appear frequently in everyday conversations - we use them when talking about daily routines, emotions, and actions involving one’s body. The expression of reflexive actions in Spanish differs from English, which relies solely on reflexive pronouns as opposed to specific pronouns and verb conjugations. However, once you understand how reflexive pronouns work, you’ll see ...

Becoming familiar with the Spanish alphabet (el abecedario) is the first essential step of learning the language. While many letters look similar to those in the English alphabet, they’re not always pronounced the same way, and some have completely different sounds, names and rules. Whether you’re studying independently, considering online Spanish lessons or preparing to travel across Spain or Latin America, understanding how individua...

If you’re learning Spanish, chances are you’ve already made a few of the classic mistakes that trip up the majority of students. From multiple verb forms to unexpected word orders, learners are quick to discover that phrases in English often don't work the same way in Spanish! Mistakes are par for the course when learning a new language, and even confident, advanced speakers slip up sometimes. All the same, prevention is better than cure when it...

If you're studying Spanish for your GCSE exams, brushing up for international business negotiations or simply learning the language for fun, you’ve probably wondered how to use por vs para correctly. These little words can cause some big headaches for Spanish students, ranking among the most misunderstood (and misused!) Spanish prepositions. At first glance, these two Spanish prepositions seem straightforward enough, with many learners mistakenl...

Learning Spanish is more accessible than ever for UK learners. Whether you're preparing for GCSEs, planning a trip to Spain, or simply want to expand your language skills, there’s an app (or combination of tools) that can help you reach your goal. With many Spanish learning apps available, it can be hard to know which ones are worth your time. In this guide, we compare the most popular and effective options for UK learners, based on personal exp...

Tips to Remember When to Use Ser or Estar SER and ESTAR are the two "to be" verbs in Spanish, and for English speakers, used just one verb, which can be confusing. But there is a way to understand these two verbs, by remembering DOCTOR and PLACE.  This will help you remember when and how to use SER and ESTAR when learning Spanish. How to Conjugate SER in the Present Tense Yo soy (I am). Tú eres (You are). Él es (He is). Ella es (She is) V...

Learn How to Conjugate Common Spanish Verbs in the Past Tenses Learning Spanish is fun until you reach A2, and then you end up learning three different tenses to talk about the past. Each of them has irregular verbs with different conjugations. As someone currently learning Spanish, I understand the struggle. That’s why I wanted to prepare a guide to the most common Spanish verbs and their past tense conjugations, including the Pretérito Indefin...

This tricky verb is not like the others, so it's important to understand that the rules you use to conjugate other verbs don’t apply to gustar or any verb similar to it. When we use verbs like gustar, we focus on what the person likes, not the person(s) who like it. Let me show you some examples to make it clearer: A mí me gusta el chocolate (I like chocolate) – we don't say "yo gusto el chocolate." A ella le gustan los chocolates (She likes c...

In many languages, we have two words for "you", one for formal and the other one for informal conversation. English is actually an exception, because we say always "you". Compare this: Tú eres María. You are Mary. Usted es María. You are Mary. In the first case, María could be my friend or my sister. In the second case, it is an unknown person or a mere acquaintance, and I am showing respect and putting some distance using "usted". If you know ...

Have you been wondering if it's worth it watching movies to learn a language?  It definitely is!!! Many people rapidly improve by watching movies mainly because it exposes students to natural speech, the cultural context, and a very diverse vocabulary. Learning Spanish in particular with movies, is an engaging and fun way to also learn pronunciation and accents, which can lead to smoother flow of conversation. If you are still here, but yo...

Imagine a baby mimicking everything you say in their own adorable way. Did you know this is exactly how children start to learn a language? If a child grows up in a place where multiple languages are spoken, such as Barcelona, where both Catalan and Spanish are official languages, they naturally absorb both without much effort. Catalan is also quite similar to French and Portuguese, making it easier for them to pick up those languages as well. A...

A Guide For Learners in London Learning a new language is an exciting journey, but even the most hard-working learners can face challenges along the way. There are advantages and disadvantages of trying to learn a language in a big city like London. Here are some common mistakes learners make when taking language classes in London and how you can correct them: Speaking: Missing the Details of Pronunciation Confusing Similar Sounds: London's st...

Starting something new, especially a profession where you have to speak in front of students, is a scary moment for many tutors. When you become a tutor, teaching your first class can be nerve racking. Here are some tips on how to start teaching Spanish classes! Why become a Spanish tutor? Choosing to become a Spanish tutor can be a highly rewarding experience. If you have decided to teach your own language, you'll discover the joy of transmitt...

Embarking on the journey to tutor Spanish is a thrilling endeavor, and with the advent of the digital age, learners are fortunate to have an array of online tools that can significantly amplify the language acquisition process. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the best online tools and effective teaching approaches, catering to diverse learning styles and ensuring a holistic and engaging Spanish language-learning experience f...