How long does it take to learn Spanish Language

Spanish is the language of the future world. If asked how long does it take to learn the Spanish Language? It takes 8-12 months if you practice 1 hour per day to complete the Spanish Language.

 

• Firstly, if you practice 3 times a week, it takes approximately 1 year to reach C1 level of Spanish language. 
• Secondly, spending 3 hours a day can help you learn in 6 months. 
• Thirdly, it takes 1.5 years to learn Spanish if you spend one hour a day. 

 

Hence, 250 hours of learning is good enough to get you an opportunity in academics, professions and otherwise in the Spanish language.

Spanish has spread its energy, expressiveness, and diversity all over so beautifully that every person dreams to learn the Spanish language quickly.

The truth is that the more you put effort while learning Spanish, the more the chances of success.

Moreover, there are so many magic answers to how long it takes to learn Spanish. But still, we will try to estimate the time to learn the Spanish language. In this article, we will cover all the necessary aspects and factors to learn Spanish faster.

 

Top 6 Major Factors how long does it take to learn Spanish?

 

Here are some factors that can influence how much time it takes to learn Spanish and to achieve fluency.

 

1.) What level of Spanish language you want to learn to become fluent?

People who are motivated enough learn a language much faster than the ones who are lethargic. You need to know what level of Spanish you want to learn so that you put your efforts and concentration into achieving that.

Spanish has different levels from A1 to C2.

The Spanish levels you want to learn:

• Basic Level (A1-A2) – The beginners or the basic level consists of an introduction to the language and culture. Its goal is to make a person ready to go deep into the language. An intensive Spanish Language A1 course takes around 40 hours. It takes a similar amount of time for the A2 level as well. 

 

• Intermediate Level (B1-B2) – The Spanish B1 and B2 intensive courses can be completed in just 60-80 hours! 

 

• Advanced Level (C1-C2) – Spanish C1 and C2 levels takes duration of (80-100) hours each to complete the course and become pro at speaking Spanish.

 

So, the entire decision rest on you regarding the level you want to start with. Therefore, start with the basics if you do not have any prior knowledge of the Spanish language.

2.) How Long Does It Take to Learn Spanish from Scratch?  

Learning Spanish can be an enjoyable journey, but the time it takes to learn Spanish from starting varies depending on the individual.   

One can reach the basic conversational level in 3 months or in one year; it all depends upon your practice and your dedication level. Furthermore, your learning rate is determined by different factors, including the techniques you use or the daily time you are ready to devote to your language learning.  

Another major factor that influences your language learning is whether you have experience learning any other language. If so, this could help you on your Spanish language journey. If you practice constantly and use the appropriate techniques or study materials, you can reach a good conversational level in Spanish in a year.   

 Some common phrases for beginners are as follows:  

•  Hola: Hello.  
• Buenos días: Good day.  
• Adiós: Goodbye.  
• Hasta luego: See you later.  
• Encantada/o de conocerte: Nice to meet you.  
• Gracias: Thank you.  
• Disculpe: Excuse me.  
• No entiendo: I don’t understand. 

3.) How much time and energy do you spend learning Spanish?

The U.S. Foreign Service Institute estimates the time to be spent by students to reach proficiency in the language. The FSI study states that it takes 24-30 weeks, which is about 600-750 class hours. This estimate is for native English speakers to achieve conversational fluency in Spanish.

So, “how long does it take to learn Spanish language”- it should take around 24 weeks as per FSI estimates i.e. 600-750 class hours. Furthermore, they also suggest an approximate ratio of 1:1 between time spent in the classroom and time spent studying independently.

Therefore, the total calculated time spent would be 1200 hours! (It seems a lot!). But, do not panic after reading all this. With a confident mindset and positivity start your Spanish classes for fluency at early levels.

To get a more detailed explanation, if you spend at least 3 hours a day learning Spanish, you can achieve proficiency in 6 months. On the other hand, if you spend one hour per day, it would take around 1.5 years to become a fluent Spanish speaker.

People don’t learn more efficiently in classrooms than they learn in outside surroundings. In addition, these numbers are just guidelines and learning depends on the amount of time you dedicate to a language.

4.) How Long Does It Take for an English Speaker to be Fluent in Spanish?

Calculating the time of how long it takes an English speaker to become fluent in the Spanish language is challenging because the learning speed of every individual varies. However, a rough estimation is available. According to FSI, Spanish falls into Category 1 language.   

Moreover, Spanish is almost similar to the English language and generally requires 24-30 weeks, which is nearly 600-750 hours to learn.   

To put this into perspective, if you study 3 hours per day of Spanish, you can easily reach fluency in the Spanish language in just 6-7 months. And if you dedicate only one hour regularly, you will reach language fluency in 1.5 years.  

However, these are just rough estimations. Real-world factors, like immersion and practice outside the classroom, play a significant role in language acquisition. Spanish is one of the most accessible languages for English speakers, but the actual time needed can vary depending on your commitment, resources, and learning methods.  

Moreover, Spanish and English share most vocabulary words as these are of Latin origin. So, English speakers find it easier to learn the Spanish language. As a language learner, try to read more Spanish words so that your brain gets used to new structures and patterns.

 

5.) What level of fluency do you want to achieve?

Everyone has their own definition of fluency. There are two different levels of fluency-Conversational fluency and Native-level fluency.

1.) Conversational fluency means that you understand 95% of what you read and say. This means that you can hold 1-on-1 conversations with the person at a normal speaking pace without thinking too much. It also means that your pronunciation is clear while speaking. And, your conversation is easily understood by a native Spanish speaker.

2.) Native-level fluent person either by birth speaks the Spanish language or speaks it for so long that they are fully fluent. This person understands 99-100% of anything they read or hear. Also, you can express your opinions spontaneously in complex situations with a group of native speakers.

Your pronunciation is so perfect that you can hold 2-hour conversations and, with them not knowing that it’s not your first language.

As a beginner, if you want to understand complex sentences then aim for conversational fluency. Here’s an amazing Spanish Language Course for you to become fluent in Spanish in no time.

 

6.) What is your preferred method of learning Spanish?

There are various methods to start with the learning process. You can learn by yourself, attend a traditional course, find a tutor, and exchange with a language partner. Spanish immersion is one of the best methods to achieve fluency. So, you can practice immersion at home or by going abroad.

This method can help you complete in nine months to a year to become fluent. Moreover, traveling to Spanish speaking country is one of the effective ways to learn Spanish.

With the right resources and learning methods, you can surely become proficient. Also, practicing three times a week with a tutor, for one year would take to reach the C1 level. I feel after reading all this, you can estimate how long it takes to learn the Spanish language.

 

How Difficult Is It to Learn Spanish? 

Learning Spanish is generally considered one of the easier languages for English speakers. This is because Spanish and English share a lot of vocabulary and similar grammar structures. The U.S. Foreign Service Institute (FSI) even classifies Spanish as a “Category 1” language, which means it’s one of the easiest for English speakers to learn.

However, becoming fluent in Spanish still requires dedication and effort. On average, it takes around 700 class hours to reach proficiency in Spanish. But don’t worry, how fast you learn Spanish can vary based on your personal circumstances and goals. 

To make the process quicker, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible.

Watching Spanish movies, listening to Spanish music, and practicing speaking with native speakers can significantly speed up your learning.  

While Spanish has its challenges, such as gendered nouns and various dialects, many learners find these manageable with regular practice. So, if you stay consistent and motivated, you’ll find that learning Spanish can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

 

What is the Best Way to Learn Spanish? 

Practice and discipline are the best strategies for maintaining your long-term Spanish learning process.   

Learning Spanish requires accepting a new lifestyle, so surround yourself with everything related to Spanish! You can accomplish this by reading more and more Spanish-language newspapers or articles, as well as by listening to Spanish music or news.   

Another important factor is consistency. Without frequent practice, nothing will last over time. Performing little tasks every day is far more productive than holding lengthy review sessions on the weekends.   

Always keep in mind how crucial it is to learn Spanish words and phrases. Since there are more than 500 million Spanish speakers in the world and grammar itself cannot teach you how people speak the language.  

How to learn Spanish by your own? 

If you are thinking of learning Spanish by your own than you are on the right track. Learning Spanish by your own is a rewarding and manageable journey.  

Whether you are learning Spanish language for your life or for your traveling remember one thing that keeping the motivation level high throughout your learning journey is essential. Moreover, creating the best environment for learning Spanish language by your own is the pillar of success.   

Try to include the Spanish language in your everyday activities. Download some Spanish language apps, change your phone’s menu to Spanish language. Apart from this, try to listen to Spanish music, watch Spanish movies, and read Spanish newspapers or blogs as much as you can. Regardless of your interests—sports, automobiles, food, etc.—find and follow Spanish-language YouTube channels or Instagram profiles.  

 If you want to study Spanish on your own, there should be no excuse for it. Identify and improve your weak areas, whether they be skills, persistence, or motivation.  

 

How long does it take to become Fluent in Spanish?

To learn basic conversational level, it takes around 3 months to 1 year depending on the levels you want to achieve. Spanish is not a very hard language rather, it is easier for you to learn Spanish if you know the English language.

 

• Delicioso is “delicious”.
• Perfecto is “perfect”.
• Pizza is “pizza”.
• Correcto means “correct”.

See how simple it is? Learning a new language seems daunting at first but worth it.

Some questions might come to your mind like; can I learn Spanish in 6 months? Can I learn Spanish in 3 months? Yes, you can. You should start spending three hours a week to learn Spanish completely in 6 months.

After that, work consistently and spend the estimated time to achieve your goal within the time limits.

Spanish is not a difficult language for Indians for a series of reasons as Latin roots, relatively simple grammar, similar vocabulary, etc. Moreover, learning Spanish by yourself is entirely up to you. Using the right tools and with the extra motivation you can become fluent in Spanish in no time.

The best way to learn the Spanish language is to practice speaking it constantly. So, there is no alternative to speaking in real time to become fluent. The more effort you put into talking, the more likely you succeed. Moreover, the fastest way to learn Spanish is to focus on listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills.

 

Why should you learn Spanish?

Learning the Spanish language in today’s scenario is worth it. Here are the facts and figures that will make you realize how important is learning a foreign language.

 

• Firstly, nearly 500 million native speakers speak Spanish which is a globally recognized language.
• Secondly, Spanish is the world’s fourth most spoken language.
• Thirdly, it is the second most spoken native lingo after Chinese.

 

There are other vital facts as Spanish is one of the six official languages of the United Nations. Also, many international organizations and European Union use Spanish as their official language. Moreover, the British council identified Spanish in the top ten languages, which is crucial for UK’s security and influence over the world in years ahead.

Additionally, Spanish increases employability and job prospects, and you can travel to Spanish speaking country without any language barrier. I feel these reasons are enough for you to start with your Spanish language course.

Related Read : Online Spanish Classes

 

Tips to Learn Spanish Fast 

Learning Spanish can be an exciting and enriching experience. While everyone’s journey to fluency is different, here are some practical tips to help you learn Spanish more efficiently: 

 

Immerse Yourself in the Language:

One of the most effective ways to learn Spanish fast is to surround yourself with it as much as possible. You can watch movies and TV shows in Spanish, listen to Spanish music, and read news articles in Spanish. This exposure helps you get used to the sounds and rhythms of the language, and you will naturally start picking up new words and phrases. 

 

Practice Regularly:

Consistency is crucial in language learning. Set aside time each day to study Spanish, even if it’s just a few minutes. Regular practice helps reinforce what you’ve learned and makes it easier to retain new information. This can include reviewing vocabulary, practicing grammar, or speaking with a language partner. 

 

Be Patient and Persistent:

Learning a new language can be challenging, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Progress may seem slow at times but remember that making mistakes is a normal part of the learning process. Each mistake is an opportunity to learn and improve. Stay positive and keep practising, and you will gradually see improvement. 

 

Use Language Learning Apps:

There are many language learning apps available that can help you learn Spanish in an engaging way. These apps often provide structured lessons, interactive exercises, and opportunities to practice speaking and listening. 

 

Join Language Learning Communities:

Engaging with other Spanish learners can provide motivation and support. Online forums, social media groups, and language exchange platforms are great places to connect with others who are also learning Spanish. Sharing experiences, asking questions, and practising with others can enhance your learning experience. 

 

Label Your Environment:

To increase your vocabulary, you can label everyday objects in your home with their Spanish names. This simple technique helps reinforce learning by constantly exposing you to new words. 

 

Set Realistic Goals:

Setting specific, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and focused. These goals could be learning a certain number of new words each week, being able to hold a basic conversation, or understanding a Spanish news article. Clear goals give you something to work towards and a sense of accomplishment when you reach them. 

By following these tips, you can make your journey to learning Spanish language more effective and enjoyable. Remember, consistency and practice are key to mastering any new skill.

 

Conclusion

Being a beginner, you should start spending at least 1 hour a day, which means 250-350 hours on learning to become a fluent speaker. The answer to the question of how long does it take to learn Spanish must be clear now?

Firstly, make a learning plan to spend at least one hour a day whether you are a full-time student or a working professional. Secondly, you should get enough conversation practice while studying on your own. Finally, start watching movies, and shows and listen to podcasts to hone your listening skills.

You can also enroll yourself with Kochiva Linguistics which provides the best training in foreign languages. The classes take place every week through highly qualified experts with C1/C2 levels.

Kochiva has different courses for working professionals and students. Their efficient method of teaching boosts your Spanish skills.

 

Lastly, don’t worry about how much time it takes to learn Spanish, rather focus on speaking it daily. Set your realistic goals, read for pleasure, and remind yourself of the benefits of learning Spanish so that your concentration does not lose.

 

Good luck and do not let anything stop you! For any queries, you can contact Kochiva. Kochiva is always there to help you.

Frequently Asked Question

What is the One Skill of Spanish You Want to Focus On?  

When you are learning the Spanish language, it is very important to decide which skill you want to master, i.e., whether you want to excel in speaking, writing, reading, or listening.  

For many learners, speaking is the most valuable skill because it’s the foundation of any communication. Furthermore, speaking a language fluently can help you connect directly with others.   

Now, imagine you are in a Spanish-speaking country, and you want to order ice cream. Being able to say, “Quiero un helado” (“I want an ice cream”) shows how important speaking skills are in your everyday life. Apart from this, speaking a language also helps to improve your pronunciation. This further helps you understand the conversation between native speakers.  

Can I Learn Spanish in 6 months?  

Yes, you can learn Spanish in 6 months. However, this all depends on how much time and effort you are ready to invest in your language-learning journey.   

If you decide to practice 3-4 hours regularly and use effective learning techniques, you can easily achieve your goal in 6 months.  

Try to focus on building vocabulary and by engaging yourself in regular conversation with native speakers. This will help you to improve your language conversational skills.  

Using apps, online courses, and watching Spanish media can also speed up the process. While fluency might take longer, significant progress is possible in 6 months!  

Can I learn Spanish in 3 months?  

While mastering Spanish grammar and abilities will undoubtedly take some time, speaking fluently may not come easily. This is because learning Spanish requires regular work and dedication. In 3 months, one can learn the basics of the Spanish language, i.e., A1 and A2 levels. You can choose online learning or offline methods. 

However, the method you choose will influence how long it takes you to learn Spanish. The duration will change, for instance, if you choose the immersion option, textbook, or regular lecture.

The quickest and easiest approach to learning a new language is to enroll in an intense Spanish language course.