If you can get these seven things right then you’re completely off to the races and you’ll boost your chances of becoming fluent by the end of the year. So in this blog post I take my own 35 years experience of becoming fluent to native level in Spanish combine it with over 10 years teaching Spanish, and I and condense it into seven bullet points that I would follow if I was starting learning Spanish from scratch again in 2025.
So there are different levels to this process, I’ve been teaching this to hundreds of students over 10 years. So if you’re completely new to learning Spanish we’re going to start from number 1.
1. Set Clear and Realistic Goals
First things first, I’m setting some realistic goals. We’re talking about bite-sized goals that you can actually achieve. Instead of “I’m going to be fluent in a year,” I aim for something like, “I want to hold a basic conversation in three months” or “I’ll be able to order food in Spanish by the end of the first month.” Trust me, setting these smaller goals keeps things less overwhelming, and you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment along the way. Plus, it will help me avoid the common pitfall of burnout!
2. Immerse Myself from Day One
Immersion is key! But no, I’m not saying you need to move to Spain immediately or spend 20 years in Latin America —though if you can, great! For most of us, immersion means making Spanish a part of our daily lives. I’m starting by changing the language on my phone and social media to Spanish. It’s a little thing, but I’ll immediately start getting exposure. I’d also listen to Spanish podcasts or watch Netflix series in Spanish with subtitles.
Music is a huge motivator for me, so I’d create a playlist with popular Spanish songs and try to sing along. Trust me, your pronunciation will get better without even realizing it, and you’ll pick up new vocabulary effortlessly.
3. Use Language Apps, but Don’t Rely on Them Alone
We all know and love language apps—Duolingo, Babbel, Memrise—you name it. These apps are a great starting point, and I’d definitely use them to build up vocabulary and understand basic grammar. However, I wouldn’t rely on them as my only source of learning. They’re fantastic for short daily practice, but to really grow, I’d combine app learning with other methods like speaking to native speakers, watching shows, and reading in Spanish.
4. Find a Conversation Partner Early On
One of the best things I’ve learned over the years is to start speaking from day one, even if you feel like you’re not ready. I’d jump on platforms like iTalki or HelloTalk to find conversation partners, tutors, or even just language exchange buddies. Even if my Spanish is basic, I’d try to use what I know as much as possible in real conversations. Yes, you’ll make mistakes, and yes, it’ll feel awkward at first, but that’s part of the process. The sooner you get over that fear of making mistakes, the faster you’ll improve.
And if you’re a bit shy about speaking with strangers, another option is recording yourself speaking. You don’t have to show anyone, but listening back to yourself will help you hear where you’re improving and what you need to work on.
5. Blend Formal Learning with Culture
If I started learning Spanish in 2025, I’d balance structured lessons with cultural immersion. So, I’d sign up for a class—whether in-person or online. Having that accountability keeps you on track. But here’s the fun part: I’d tie my learning to cultural experiences that I genuinely enjoy. Love cooking? I’d dive into Spanish or Latin American recipes in Spanish. Into football? I’d watch football matches in Spanish and follow commentary to expand my vocabulary.
By linking your personal interests with language learning, it becomes less of a “task” and more something you naturally enjoy doing.
6. Practice Consistency Over Perfection
Consistency beats perfection every time. In 2025, I’d focus on showing up every day, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes of practice. Language learning is a marathon, not a sprint. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s better to practice consistently for short bursts than to cram in hours of study only to burn out. It’s like going to the gym—those small, consistent efforts lead to big results over time.
And on days when life gets in the way, I’d remind myself not to stress about it. The key is to get back on track the next day. Learning a language isn’t about being perfect every day—it’s about progress, not perfection.
7. Celebrate the Wins—Big and Small
Finally, I’d celebrate every single milestone along the way. Whether it’s mastering a new verb tense, understanding a conversation without subtitles, or successfully ordering food in Spanish while traveling—each win is a step forward! By celebrating these moments, you stay motivated and enjoy the process more.
So that’s how I’d approach learning Spanish in 2025. It’s all about setting realistic goals, immersing yourself in the language, balancing structured learning with culture, and staying consistent. Whether you’re just starting out or getting back into it, remember—it’s a journey, and it should be a fun one!
If you’ve got your own language-learning tips or questions, drop them in the comments. And as always, Keep learning and having fun!
