I don't understand Spanish

Question

How do you guys study Spanish ? I'm in Spanish one and I'm so lost

Welcome to SD - ian-hill, Nov 27, 2012

It's really great that you're actually taking Spanish seriously in school! I didn't care to learn it until just recently. Remember that it's not math. You'll catch on... and build up. - QFour, Nov 27, 2012

Answer 1

Start with the video lessons here.

Click on "Learn" above then "Learn Spanish" and get started and keep at it.

Oh and fill out your profile information please.

Answer 2

Immersion is just as important as studying Spanish. Forcing yourself to use it consistently is essential too. If you don't do all three, it will go in one ear and out the other. I haven't done as much formal Spanish study as other people, but I have immersed myself in Spanish and forced myself to use it enough that I speak conversational Spanish better than some people who have studied Spanish for years. Honestly, being lost in the beginning is normal. Just don't let it get you. This is so cliché, but true: Practice makes perfect. Conversationally, you can know all the nouns in the world and it won't help you much. Focus on verbs. Make up jingles to them if that helps: -AR verbs: "-o, -as, -a, -amos, -aís, -an." Repeat it over and over. Make one room in your house the Spanish room. Only speak Spanish on Friday nights. Whatever you want to do, just try speaking. Don't be afraid to butcher it at first. That's how you learn. So if your Español sounds cómo this por primera vez, don't be discouraged. Just use the words you do know, and substitute the ones you don't.
Hope that helps.

¿aís? ...I think you mean (vosotros) -áis ...and it's only used in Spain (for those who may not know) - QFour, Nov 27, 2012

You're right, QFour... sorry for my typo... and, yes, I realize it's only used in Spain. I figure that even if they may not use it in Latin American spanish, it doesn't hurt to learn one extra conjugation. You're right though- it's totally optional. - latinabi, Nov 29, 2012

Answer 3

yeah I think this course is the best opportunity to start learning Spanish. It's easy to understand, it's practical and it's free. And the thing I like the most about these courses is that you can watch your own progress, you can improve your score and better your skills.

Answer 4

Keep a pen handy when you watch the videos. Take notes. Writing down the new vocabulary words always helps me memorize them. Welcome and good luck.

Answer 5

"I don't understand Spanish."

Well, of course you don't..... you have to like... practice. You didn't understand any language when you were born.

You'll get used to it, it's very similar to English structure wise. You just have to get used to the way they say certain things, then putting it in sentences properly is rather similar to English. I'd say the most difficult thing (besides listening comprehension) is just learning the vocabulary and certain phrase sets. You have to accept certain things more than "learn" them.

Tener que = to have to

There isn't much to understand, just accept it. lol

Then the conjugations. It's not so difficult to remember the conjugations... you'll just have to understand what it means when you use each conjugation.

Best flashcard site that I know of.

LABi is right, verbs are the most important.

Learn how to ask questions.

Just go through these lessons and exercises for starts

I didn't understand Spanish at first either. That's why I decided to learn it. - QFour, Nov 27, 2012