How To Learn Spanish On Your Own: 8 Tips With Ultimate Guiding

You start learning Spanish and you’re surrounded by lots and lots of resources. There are so many, that you just can’t decide. So, you ask yourself the question: how to learn Spanish on your own?

Well, it’s definitely possible!

Spring Spanish (a project that I co-founded) already made a great lesson on this topic. Juan, our teacher, explains how you can teach yourself Spanish with some amazing resources:

In this post, we’re looking into 9 in-depth tips on how to learn Spanish on your own.

1. Use free Spanish method: Conversation Based Chunking

Conversation Based Chunking is a game-changer for learning Spanish on your own.

You can find your first FREE Spanish Chunking Starter Pack right here!

But what is this method?

So, instead of drowning in boring grammar rules, the chunking method focuses on practice, bite-sized chunks of language that native speakers use all the time. You do it too in your own tongue. It’s a bit like learning to cook by making real dishes, tasting every step of the way, realizing which ingredient works best with another one.

This way, you’re not just memorizing the recipe or the ingredients one-by-one, but instead, you know what makes a great paella. (By the way, we have a super, dedicated article for Spanish food vocabulary – check it out!).

With Conversation Based Chunking, you’ll pick up the most common Spanish phrases and Spanish sentences structures. In no time, you’ll mix and match these chunks in real Spanish conversations.

The main goal of this method is to teach you how to learn Spanish on your own, no matter where you are. Plus, it’s way more fun than traditional methods – you’ll feel like you’re making progress from day one!

(We also have courses with this method, they are called 7-in-7 Challenges.)

2. Immerse yourself in the language

You can combine the Conversation Based Chunking method with immersion.

The purpose of this is to surround yourself with Spanish as much as possible. For example, change your phone’s language settings to Spanish, listen to Spanish music while you cook, or stick Post-it notes with Spanish words all over your house.

The idea is to make Spanish a part of your daily life. It might feel a bit overwhelming at first, but you’ll be surprised how quickly your brain starts to pick things up.

And we have the best ideas on how you can immerse yourself in Spanish. Just read on.

Before you know it, you’ll be thinking in Spanish without even trying!

3. Best way to learn Spanish: follow Spanish YouTube channels

YouTube is a true goldmine for Spanish learners.

It’s totally free, and you get the feeling that there’s a personal Spanish tutor available 24/7 by your side.

Check our blog post about best free Spanish YouTube channels.

These channels offer immersive content, and you can find the one that fits your needs. It doesn’t really matter on what level you are, you’ll find the ideal for yourself.

Some of these focus only on grammar explanations, some offer fun, practical lessons, some – like Spring Spanish give you insights of the Spanish culture from other Spanish-speaking countries, too.

The best part?

You can pause, rewind, and replay as much as you need.

Plus, many channels have subtitles in both Spanish and English (or you can turn on automatic transcribing), so you can follow along easily.

4. Listen to the best podcasts in Spanish

Spanish podcasts are perfect for learning Spanish on the go.

You constantly listen to Spanish conversations or great Spanish stories in your ear while you’re doing other things.

Search for Coffee Break Spanish if you want structured lessons, or listen to the News in Slow Spanish to keep up with current events while learning.

The great thing about podcasts is that they expose you to different accents and speaking styles. You can listen while traveling, working out, or doing chores – multitasking at its finest!

5. Try Spanish language learning with TV shows and movies

Netflix and learn – what could be better? 😉

Watching the best Spanish shows and movies on Netflix is like a mini-vacation to a Spanish-speaking country, all from your couch.

You can first start by re-watching some of your favorite movies or TV shows that you already know by heart: if you know the story, you’ll understand the Spanish subtitles and Spanish dubs.

This method improves your listening skills, exposes you to different accents and Spanish slang, and gives you a peek into Spanish-speaking cultures.

And let’s not forget that it can be so entertaining that you might even forget you’re studying!

6. Read easy Spanish books

Reading in Spanish is like a workout for your brain – it builds your vocabulary and grammar muscles without you even realizing it.

Start with children’s books or graded readers designed for learners.

“El principito” (The Little Prince) is a great place to start. As you improve, try short stories by authors like Jorge Luis Borges or Gabriel García Márquez. Don’t worry if you don’t understand every word – the goal is to get the gist and pick up new vocabulary in context.

Keep a dictionary handy, but try not to look up every single word. You’ll be surprised how much you can figure out on your own if you read easy Spanish books.

7. Practice Spanish with flashcards

Flashcards with spaced repetition are like a personal trainer for your memory.

Apps like Anki or Quizlet use algorithms to show you cards just when you’re about to forget them, making your study time super efficient.

You can create your own cards with words and phrases you come across (when you read easy Spanish books for example, or watch your favorite Spanish TV shows).

The key here is consistency – even 10-15 minutes a day can make a big difference.

It might feel a bit like a game, trying to remember each card, but that’s what makes it fun and effective!

If you want to try it, you can check our pre-made flashcards on Quizlet.

8. Learn Spanish with a textbook

Don’t write off basic Spanish textbooks just yet!

A good Spanish textbook can be a roadmap for your language learning journey.

We’re not the biggest fans of having a strict structure to your studies, but these books ensure that you’re covering all the basics. Still, look for textbooks that focus practical, conversational Spanish, so you can combine it with Conversation Based Chunking.

Feeling confident about a chapter? Move on! Need more practice? Take your time.

Look for the best Spanish apps and resources to learn Spanish at home

No matter which method you choose, you can combine it with other resources.

Check the best Spanish language learning apps, or look for free online courses if you need them. We shared 8 tips with you on how to learn Spanish on your own – choose one, choose two, choose any method you want.

We have just one more ultimate tip for you: use the Conversation Based Chunking method. The good thing about this method is that you can combine it with anything else – it offers you the way to learn with any tool.

If you want to learn more about it, and receive your first FREE Spanish Chunking Starter Pack, click the button below!