Learn Spanish your way with a TakeLessons expert

Reading is a fantastic way to work on your Spanish skills! Take a look at these recommendations for famous Spanish authors by Fairfax, CA tutor Jason N. before you head to the bookstore...   Spanish is the second most commonly spoken language in the world. For native English-speakers, learning Spanish requires the constant input and output of the four main manifestations of language: speaking, listening, writing, and reading. One of the most intimate ways to connect with a language is t

Excited about an upcoming study abroad trip? Spanish immersion programs are fantastic if you want to learn about a new culture and improve your Spanish-speaking skills! Here, Seattle, WA tutor Paola E. shares some must-read tips for making the most of your experience...   One of the ultimate goals of Spanish learners who are committed to becoming fluent is to take the biggest leap and join a Spanish immersion program in a country where Spanish is spoken. Al fin! (At last!) The Spanish they

You've learned about how to conjugate verbs in Spanish, and have a basic command of the language. Next up? Understanding the subjunctive mood! Read on as tutor Jason N. explains...   As you're learning Spanish, it's a smart idea to keep track of your progress. Your teacher or tutor can help you with this; if you're learning on your own, try testing your Spanish here. So, what's next once you can communicate the basics comfortably and confidently? Advanced students who want to t

When you're traveling in a Spanish-speaking country, it's always helpful to have a translation app on hand. Not only will it help you communicate with locals, but it can also be a lifesaver if you find yourself in an emergency situation.  But what's the best translation app to download? Is there such a thing as a free English to Spanish translation app? Keep reading to find out. What is a Good Translation App for English to Spanish? Although there are many translation apps available, not a

Want to avoid looking like a tourist during your trip to Spain? In this post, you'll first learn about some of the top destinations in Spain... then, tutor Emmanuel M. explains what NOT to do while you're there! Spain is known as a beautiful, romantic, and overall wonderful place to visit. Tourists across the world visit Spain to explore the local sights, food, and traditions. You'll find that the people of Spain tend to be laid-back, good-natured, and cheerful -- and there are pl

Bloggers, journalists, and even business people are always looking for an edge. Something that will help them learn new information more quickly or retain information longer. If you're studying Spanish and want to get a CLEP Spanish test score, a study guide may be the answer.  What is a CLEP Spanish test? How do I use a study guide to prepare for the exam? Keep reading to find out. How Do I Prepare for Spanish CLEP? Spanish CLEP is a great way to earn college credit without taking a tr

It’s common for English speakers to mix up Portuguese and Spanish. Although the two languages have many similarities, there is a distinct difference between Spanish and Portuguese. Today, we’re going to share 5 important ones you should know if you’re interested in studying Portuguese. In fact, there’s even a name for speaking a mixture of the languages to help speakers of different backgrounds communicate (Portuñal or Portunhol in Spanish and Portuguese, respectively). Similar to �

It's tough learning a new language, but have no fear -- an easy lesson is here! Here, Spanish tutor Jason N. shows you how to use prepositions to connect words together and create simple sentences... A Look at Prepositions in Spanish Luckily, prepositions are pretty straightforward when it comes to learning to speak Spanish. Spanish prepositions are not too different from ones in English. Just like in English, prepositions connect words together and often focus on direction, place,

Ready to visit a Spanish-speaking country and communicate with the locals? Before you reach you destination, you'll need to know some basic Spanish phrases to help you get around. Try the following essential Spanish phrases as you see the sights, try the food, and explore! Keep reading below the video for even more helpful vocabulary. While the most useful phrase might be inquiring about the location of the bathroom, another great phrase to master is the equivalent of “Hello, nice

As you learn Spanish, you’ll come across rules that are important for writing. In this article, you’ll learn all about Spanish accent marks and when to use them. Most beginners ignore accent marks while learning Spanish. They don't know what they mean, or how to use them correctly. Beginners often assume that their word processor will help place them when typing in Spanish and that accent marks aren't mandatory to fully understand Spanish. This isn't true, and ignoring them only hinders y