Building Vocabulary

Question

I was wondering as a beginner, is it better to build up my spanish vocabulary or focus on the grammar? As I go through the lesson on SD I am able to read my spanish daily devotion with a better understanding. The problem is when I watch Novelas or any spanish shows I get lost with the story because I don't know a certain word.

experts say you need to know about 10,000 words ... to say just about anything in a common conversation - readytodictate, May 17, 2013

Answer 1

For me I focused first on vocab primarly. You can communicate with bad grammer but it is impossable with a very small vocabulary. As your vocab increases you can start focusing more on grammer like I am doing now.

Why worry about building a 3000 piece puzzel if you only have a few pieces.

Thanks AndreKnue! - amorie01, May 16, 2013

Con gusto - 00551866, May 17, 2013

Answer 2

Build blocks of words with the Flashcard Sets here. Nouns, Verbs, Adjectives. Then start combining these blocks like a puzzle into sentences.

See how many you can form. An endless number.

Buena Suerte

Answer 3

If all you know is vocab you won't be able to form a sentence and if all you know is grammar you still won't be able to form a sentence.

You have to find balance. With novelas, turn on the spanish subltitles. I also have trouble and I have been praciticing for ages. But with that at least you can see the word, and then you might go "Oh, that's what they said" and you will understand more and more.

Good luck!

Thanks Jessica, I'm amazed at how much I do understand - amorie01, May 16, 2013

Answer 4

Here is a list of 4,000 words which will help you say just about everything you want!

Thank you! - amorie01, May 17, 2013