And to be totally honest, most of these we have all heard before so you will have a good idea of how they are pronounced. So let’s get started. Below you will find 23 commonly used greetings that you can start using today. The Spanish word is first followed by the English word.

Adiós – goodbye
gracias – thank you
muchas gracias – thank you very much
bienvenidos – welcome
buenas noches – good evening, good night
buenas tardes – good afternoon
buenos días – good morning
chao – goodbye
¿cómo estás? – how are you? (familiar)
de nada – you’re welcome
hasta la vista – see you later
hasta luego – see you later
hasta mañana – see you tomorrow
hasta pronto – see you soon
hola – hello or hi
¿cómo te llamas? – what’s your name? (familiar)
lo siento – I’m sorry
me llamo – my name is
mucho gusto – pleased to meet you
¿qué hora es? – what time is it?
¿qué pasa? – what’s happening?
soy de – I’m from
¿y tú? – and you? (familiar)

And there you have it. Over 20 of the most commonly used Spanish words and phrases. Most of them you have heard before which means you won’t have a hard time pronouncing them. You can start using these words and phrases right now and hold a small Spanish conversation.

Now just in case you are not sure how to pronounce some of these words allow me to give you a very quick lesson in pronouncing Spanish words. For the most part you will be able to form every sound in Spanish using what you already know from the English language. The CH sound is pronounced just like it is in the English language. The name Charles is a good example. The ll sound is often pronounced like a Y and the ñ sound is pronounced like an n followed by a yay.

I know that’s not a lot but if you use it, you will be able to hold a decent conversation in Spanish. The key is to not over think the learning process. The way you learned to speak English won’t be the way you will learn to speak Spanish. Things are different and that is the way it is suppose to be. Don’t try to change it to make it make sense to you. Just embrace the difference in learning style. When you do, you will be speaking Spanish in no time.

Find The Right Method Of Learning

I’m sure you know that there are probably hundreds of different ways to learn how to speak Spanish. You have online courses, e-books, software, audio lessons and much more. But not all methods will work for all people. You have to looking at your own personal learning style and abilities and choose based on that. For example, if you are the type of person who learns better in a classroom setting, then you should look for that type of method to learn Spanish.

If you are like me and would prefer to learn alone and on your own time, it would be better for you to invest in a software or online course. Again, its all about you

Start By Learning The Basics

Some people like to jump in head first and start learning all the complicated stuff. Don’t do that. Start with the basics. You would be surprised how much Spanish you will be speaking just based on the basics. I mean lets be honest, you usually say the same words and phrases over and over during a conversation.

For example, in just about every conversation you have you will say, hello, how you doing, how’s your day, good afternoon etc. These are all basic words and phrases in the Spanish language. By learning them first, you will be able to quickly start holding a decent conversation. So focus on learning the basics first. Focus on learning how to structure sentences and how to use correct grammar. When you do, you will be laying a solid foundation for learning how to speak Spanish.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Nothing can replace focused practice. If you really want to learn how to speak Spanish, you will have to put in the time and effort to make it happen. You will have to set aside time every single day to practice what you have learned. You should constantly be using what you have learned in your lessons. Try to hold short conversations in Spanish as much as you can.  If you go to a Spanish place, try to speak a little in Spanish. You will be surprised how well you do. You will also be surprised to find that people will actually help you out when they see you trying.

Sit at home at your computer for at least 30 minutes a day going over words and phrases over and over again. Remember, nothing will be practice. The more you practice, the better you will be able to speak Spanish. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect. So take the time to practice and you will be speaking Spanish before you know it.

It will take some time. Maybe a couple months or more depending on how much time and effort you put into it. So when I say fast, I’m not talking about a matter of days. I’m talking about learning to speak Spanish quicker then the average person would.

So here we go. Here a few simple things you can do starting right now that will help you learn how to speak Spanish fast. Start watching Spanish speaking television shows. Game shows, talk shows, the news, any show that uses the Spanish language. And don’t worry, I know you won’t be able to understand what they are saying. The idea is to get familiar with certain words and phrases. To train your ear to pronounce the words the correct way. If you want to, turn on the captions so you can see what they are saying in English.

The second thing you can do is invest in interactive games that teach you how to speak Spanish. Learning in a game format is always fun. And when learning is fun, you tend to retain more knowledge. Software programs such as Rocket Science include an interactive game with their software. So not only do you get the CD’s and the manuals, you will also get a fun game to enhance your learning experience.

You can also do a simple search online and find several games that can be used to learn Spanish. And last but not least, if you want to learn how to speak Spanish fast you must practice. The more you practice the quicker you will be able to pick up the language. The whole idea is to just immerse yourself into the whole Spanish culture if you can.

If you have Spanish speaking friends start speaking to them in Spanish all the time. Listen to how they speak and use words. If you need help with something, ask them. I am sure they will gladly help you out. You have to become like a Perot and repeat everything you hear. The only way you will get better is if you constantly work on getting better at speaking Spanish.

You can also create little flash cards that you can refer to anytime you get stuck. You really going to have to embrace the whole process and make learning how to speak Spanish a very important part of your life. Set aside at least a hour a day to practice Spanish. Buy audio courses and listen to the language all day. If you do, you will be on your way to learning Spanish fast in no time.

Take A Class At Your Local

Just about every college and University offers foreign languages classes that you can take. If you are the type of person that learns best in a classroom setting, then this is the best route for you to go. Of course prices will vary but you should be able to take a class for about $200. However, keep in mind that you will have to keep taking more classes as you advance in the language.

Go To A Spanish Speaking Country

This technique is known as immersion. You basically pack up, head to a Spanish speaking country and learn as you go. For many, this is a great option. Is fun and very unpredictable. But if you are anything like me, this option won’t work. I am not that adventurous. I would prefer to learn the language on my own first before setting foot in a Spanish speaking country. But we are all different, and if you are the adventurous type, this method might just be perfect for you.

Audio Programs

Audio programs are great because you can take them with you everywhere you go. You can put them in your car, you can listen to them at work and you can even listen to them on your iPhone. Listening to the Spanish language being spoken over and over is a great way to pick it up rather quickly.

Flashcards

Using flashcards is another really great way to learn how to speak Spanish fluently. You write the English word on one side and the Spanish word on the other. You would go over the words just like you would go over your spelling words as a little kid. It is also a good idea to carry the cards around with you at all times so you can have something to refer to when you get stuck.

Learn Online

The internet is one big pool of information. You can find a ton of software’s and courses online that will teach you have to speak Spanish. Rocket Spanish is one of the most popular ones. Its affordable, fun and interactive. You get a software, manuals and even a game that you can play to learn Spanish. Not only will you learn how to speak Spanish, but you will have fun doing it.

These are just a few great ways for you to learn how to speak Spanish fluently. You have to figure out the one that works best for you. Once you find it, work it as much as you can. Consistency is the key if you really want to learn how to speak Spanish fluently. Set aside time everyday and you will be well on your way.

Method #1 – Learn Spanish In A Classroom

Some people do their best in a classroom setting. If that is you, then you should consider learning Spanish in the classroom. When you learn in the classroom you get the chance to interact with other people and learn in a group setting. For many being able to socialize and learn is a motivating factor. If you live in a town with a college or university, you can sign up for a class that way. If you don’t, check around your area and see if they offer any classes at the local community center or somewhere else in your area.

Method #2 – Learn Spanish Through Immersion

Immersion means to completely immerse yourself into Spanish culture. Usually this involves one living and working in a Spanish speaking country. You might be surprised how popular this method of learning how to speak Spanish has become. These days, people are traveling overseas more and more. Because of this they have a huge desire to learn to speak Spanish. So they will immerse themselves in a Spanish speaking country and learn to speak Spanish through interaction with natives of the country. Sounds scary, but it can really be an exciting adventure for the a very adventurous person. Are you that person?

Method #3 – Learn Spanish From Home Via The Internet

For me, this would be the ideal way to learn how to speak Spanish. I don’t enjoy classroom settings and I’m not bold enough to use the immersion method. I enjoy being able to learn on my own time and at my own pace. And thanks to the internet, that’s completely possible. There are literally hundreds of very affordable programs online that will teach you how to speak Spanish. Usually they come with videos that will allow you to interact as you learn. The great thing about learning how to speak Spanish from home is that you can go over the same lesson as many times as you want to.

In the classroom or in the real world, there is no going back. You just have to figure it out as you go along. But with an at home course you can keep going over anything that you don’t understand. That to me is a huge benefit.

As I stated before, you have to find what works best for you when it comes to learning Spanish. Once you find the best method, it will require persistence and self-discipline if you truly want to master the Spanish language.

Don’t believe me? Just look at any job application and you will see the million dollar question, do you speak Spanish? And those that do will get priority treatment when it comes to hiring. You see, someone who speaks another language, especially Spanish, is considered to be an asset to a company. If you can effectively communicate with the ever growing Hispanic population, you will be in high demand at several companies.

So now that you know you can get a better job by learning how to speak Spanish, the next questions is how do you actually go about learning to speak the language. Truth be told there are many different ways you can go about learning to speak Spanish. They way you choose will depend on you and what will work best for you.

I personally would prefer to learn a new language via the internet. I say this for several reasons by mainly because it allows me to learn on my on time and at my on pace. Unlike going into the classroom setting or hiring and Spanish teacher. Both require you to leave your home and stay on a certain schedule. If you don’t, you will probably end up spending more money.

When you learn from home via the internet, you will purchase the software one time and one time only. Now its up to you to go through the software and learn how to speak Spanish. And though learning from home can be a wonderful thing, it can also be a nightmare for someone who lacks self-discipline. You see, when you are learning on your own time and at your own pace, it can be very easy to skip days or even weeks of learning Spanish.

That’s why it is very important that you be 100% honest with yourself when choosing the best method to learn Spanish. If you know you are better in a classroom type atmosphere, then go that route. If you learn better on your own, then consider investing in a software such as rocket Spanish that will allow you to learn Spanish from home.

At the end of the day, a lot of good can come from you learning Spanish. You can get a better job and of course make better wages.  It will also enhance your life as you travel the world and are able to communicate in other countries effectively. So as you can see, there are many reasons why one should consider learning to speak Spanish. It could be just for fun or to land a better paying job. No matter what the reason, be sure to use the learning method that will give you the most success.

Not only that, but you will also get access to a ton of study materials to help you along the way.  And of the greatest things about Rocket Spanish is how interactive the course is. I for one need something to be fun and interactive in order for me to really learn. That’s what this program provides. It makes learning to speak Spanish easy and enjoyable at the same time.

What Else Does Rocket Spanish Provide

One of the coolest things that Rocket Spanish provides is MegaSpanish. MegaSpanish is a game platform that turns learning Spanish into a game. Playing the games will help you increase your knowledge of the language and ultimately speak Spanish much better. I think its the best part of the program.

But that’s not all. MegaSpanish actually allows you to change the vocabulary according to your own personal preferences. This will allow you to recapitulate the lessons you have learned over and over again. And don’t worry about being a complete beginner. This course was designed with you in mind. You can choose your own pace to learn which means you are in complete control. You can even upload the lessons to your MP3 player or Iphone and take them on the go.

One thing I must bring to your attention is the need for practice. Yes the software is great but it won’t teach you Spanish unless you take the time to do the lessons and study. You can only learn how to speak Spanish quickly if you put in the time and effort to make that happen.

According to Rocket Spanish, you can be speaking Spanish fluently is just 3 months. But that will only happen if you go over the lessons over and over again. It will probably take the average person more like 6 months to start speaking Spanish fluently. But then again, it all depends on you and your level of commitment.

Is It Affordable

The million dollar question is always how much does the program cost? You would probably be surprised at just how affordable this software is. It is actually one of the most affordable and economical language software’s on the market today.

I think the important to remember is that everything is up to you. It doesn’t matter what program you choose to use, if you aren’t committed to learning how to speak Spanish you won’t be successful. So make learning how to speak Spanish a top priority. Work on it everyday and you will see results in a short period of time.

One a scale of one to ten, the speak Spanish fast course would be a big fat ten. Its very easy to use and you get results very fast. Hence the name Speak Spanish Fast. It also very fun to use and the price can’t be beat. Many software’s make crazy, outlandish claims that they can’t deliver on. But this software is different. They say you will be able to have a Spanish conversation after just 10 hours of using the course and they mean. They can deliver on this promise.

They base their teaching on a specific memory technique. The technique makes it possible for you to learn words and remember them very, very fast. For many, that is very important. No one wants to have to wait months to be able to hold on conversation in Spanish.

Rocket Spanish

Second on my list after Speak Spanish Fast would be the Rocket Spanish course. Out of ten stars I would give it about 5 or 6. Maybe even 7. Rocket Spanish is a great course that offers a lot of great material for learning how to speak Spanish. One of the best features is that they give you a personal coach that you have access to 24 hours a day.

That means whenever you get stuck, you have someone you can call and get the help you need. The only reason I rate it at the level I rated it is because of price. Its a bit more expensive then the Speak Spanish Fast Software. If you don’t mind the price, it is a great investment as you get access to a personal coach and you get a ton of other materials that will help you start speaking Spanish rather quickly.

Synergy Spanish

The last software I want to talk about is Synergy Spanish. On a scale of one to ten I would give this software a solid 4 or 5. The title of their course is “How to turn 138 Spanish words into effective Spanish Communication”. Learning 138 Spanish words is probably all the words you will need to start speaking Spanish in your everyday conversations.

The problem with this course is that it is absolutely boring. When trying to learn how to speak Spanish, you need a course that will engage you and keep you interested in what you are learning. This course doesn’t do that. Its also pretty expensive for what it has to offer. You can without a doubt find better and cheaper software online.

I would suggest going with either Speak Spanish Fast or Rocket Spanish if you truly want to have a good time while learning.

So there you have it. The top 3 Spanish speaking courses online. Just like anything else, each course has its advantages as well and its disadvantages. You just have to evaluate what you need and then figure out which one will work best for you. If price is of no concern to you, I would say go with Rocket Science.

There are two steps in learning a language. The first step is learning easy, common words (check out my awesome shortcut way to do this fast by requesting the free Spanish lesson on the right! ).

The second step is to learn how to speak Spanish. For that you need to learn Spanish grammar. Spanish is a language that originates from Latin, so it has all sorts of little intricacies about verbs, gender, sentence construction and they are not always similar to English. Each language has its twists and exceptions.

To learn proper Spanish grammar, you need to find a good teaching program. You can always sign up for a course in an institute, or you can go the easy most popular way and buy a Spanish language program online.

First Step in Finding the Right Spanish Program

First you should make a list of your needs and what kind of language course you need. Do you already know a basic Spanish vocabulary and some verbs? In this case, buy a more specialized program that will take you to a higher level. If you have never spoken Spanish and need to learn it for a job, a promotion or a new business plan, check out programs that will concentrate more on business talk.

If you are going on a trip or want to get to know more about your new Spanish friend or maybe even you new love, then go towards a program that teaches a more familiar aspect of conversation. In any case, good grammar is a must to be well understood.

Grammar is more important than we think. It actually situates the conversation in time and space. Also, how words relate to each other is significant.

There are many programs on the web that can assist you in learning Spanish grammar. From your list of needs mentioned above, unless you have terrific knowledge of pronunciation, buying a program with interactive audio is very practical, and most good programs combine interactive audio and exercises.

Next – Learning to Write Spanish

Next: do you need to learn to write as well? If it’s only for a trip, not really. You can figure out most signs and menus from basic Spanish.

If you need to correspond with business colleagues all over the world in Spanish, in this case make sure you choose a program that will take you to a higher level of learning so your Spanish grammar and words can be read and understood easily. No need to make a mistake in time and tell your colleagues you ‘have done the work’ when you really meant that you ‘will do the work’!

Grammar and verbs are crucial to speaking proper Spanish and writing it. Enjoy the Spanish program you choose and get the most out of it to teach yourself Spanish at your pace, according to your needs and the level of knowledge you want to achieve.

You will be entering a whole new world while discovering a new culture and customs from an older Latin language. The Spanish language history is very long, it’s an interesting historic route to embark.

Learn Spanish Programs Online

There are many ways to choose from to learn Spanish. It all depends what you need to learn: is it for a trip to Barcelona? Is it to talk to your cute new neighbour across the hall who just moved from Guatemala? Or is it to be fluently knowledgeable in Spanish to either get a better job, a pay raise or accept a contract in Central America?

• You can buy Learn Spanish programs online (Be sure to check out my free Spanish lesson here on the site! Just insert your email into the box on the right and I’ll send it to you right away!)
• Sign up for Spanish courses at the university near your home
• Buy books on How to Learn Spanish

Decide What Level of Spanish You Need to Learn

The level of your needs will dictate what program you will choose. You don’t want the same vocabulary and degree of understanding for a two-week trip as opposed to moving to a Spanish-speaking country.

If your superiors at work demand that you learn the language for either a promotion or because your position will become bilingual in the near future, you probably want a higher level of teaching to be fluent in Spanish to converse with new clients or colleagues from Latin America.

Finding the Right Program

Choosing from dozens of Spanish language programs can be a harder task than you might have anticipated. Books are good to get an idea of spelling and grammar, but no help with pronunciation or expressions. Taking outside courses might be fun but you are restrained to a couple of hours a week unless you get intensive courses at a huge price. Better shop online.

You can find various types of Spanish programs on the web that will teach you to speak the language at different levels; you can keep going and get better and better and end up speaking an almost perfect Spanish in your spare time.

With an online Learn Spanish program, the rhythm and pace of your lessons depend entirely on you. You can even do all-nighters if you are really in a hurry. You can also learn at your leisure, in your slippers and comfy old clothes, on your favourite couch munching on chips.

Learn Spanish Program Options

Make sure you choose a program that is right for you. Many programs offer different options, such as

• Voice recognition for pronunciation exercises
• Interactive audio
• Learning games
• Twenty-four/seven assistance
• Certification

Are you interested in knowing how to spell the language or do you only want to speak your way through a trip? Just be certain to buy the appropriate program for your needs, without having to spend tons of money for sections of courses you’ll just skip over anyway.

Best of luck on your way to learning to speak Spanish. Choose the learn Spanish program that fits your needs and enjoy learning one of the most spoken languages in the world.

You will also get a glimpse inside the rich Latin culture that can open your mind to other interests or projects in your future.