How I Learned Spanish After Moving to Spain – Real Tips, Awkward Moments and What Actually Works
From Zero to Uno, Dos, Tres
When I moved to Spain, I could barely say more than uno, dos, tres, cuatro and hola — and I even pronounced the “H” in hola. I definitely couldn’t spell cuatro. But somehow, I learned.
This is not a textbook. This is what really worked for me – a real beginner navigating real-life situations.
Avoid the Expat Bubble – Choose Your Area Wisely
If you’re serious about learning Spanish, where you live matters.
Tourist areas are full of English speakers. In Fuengirola or Torrevieja, as a Finn, you might find yourself surrounded by other Finns, ordering in your own language and using Finnish services. The Spanish language won’t “stick” if you don’t need to use it.
Look for areas where locals speak less English. Even better: places without a dominant expat group.
Build Your Vocabulary First – Not Grammar
Start with about 500 words using an app like Duolingo, Memrise, or Anki. Focus on nouns and verbs you use every day.
One of the best feelings? Recognizing words in background conversations on the street for the first time. Instant motivation boost.
Real Life Starts Before You Even Leave the Building
Spanish isn’t just for bars and markets. You’ll need it in your own apartment building.
Imagine you’re in the elevator, and someone says: “¿Bajas?” (Are you going down?)
If you don’t know how to respond, it’s awkward. So start small:
- Learn greetings
- Learn basic replies
- Move on to small talk
- Then: weather conversations, polite comments, questions
Restaurants: Built-In Repetition Machines
Ordering food is a perfect language training loop. You get daily repetition, fast feedback, and low pressure.
Soon you’ll order coffee, then a sandwich, then ask for the bill, and before you know it – you’re joking with the waiter.
Turn Shopping into Speaking Practice
One of my favourite tricks: go to a shopping mall. For example, look for shoes.
- Store #1: Learn how to say “I’m looking for shoes.”
- Store #2: Add shoe size
- Store #3: Add preferred color, brand, or style
It’s free practice. And it works.
Use ChatGPT and Translation Tools Smartly
ChatGPT is a fantastic tool for language learners:
- Ask “How do I say X?”
- Ask for multiple versions (formal/informal, funny/serious)
- Get mini-dialogues instantly
Google Translate helps too, but don’t become dependent.
The Fast Track: Date a Spaniard 😍
Getting a Spanish-speaking partner is… highly effective.
Your motivation spikes. You use the language daily. You have to express feelings, thoughts, jokes.
And if you go on a train ride where there’s no signal? That’s when the magic happens: no translator, just survival Spanish.
Bonus: How to Find a Spanish Tutor (Online or Near You)
If you want to speed things up even more, get a tutor.
Recommended platforms:
You can filter by accent, availability, or even find someone near your city.
Final Tips
- Practice every day, even 10 minutes
- Embrace awkwardness – it means you’re learning
- Celebrate small wins (“I understood that!” = huge win)
- Don’t be afraid to speak – people are usually patient
If I could go from uno-dos-hola to everyday conversations, so can you.
¡Vámonos!