This Spanish course for beginners is built around a story, so it flows naturally, it stays interesting, and it is fun to study.
My students love it and you will too.
"One of the greatest learning experiences I have encountered"
"Wonderful course. Wonderful teacher. Wonderful explanations. "
"I liked how you added important grammar and even the culture of your country. "
"I love how it feels like I'm learning from PBS"
"I love the course. Very very informative"
"Awesome instructor. Takes his time to teach. Gives the meanings and the what to listen for"
This Spanish course for beginners is built around a story, so it flows naturally, it stays interesting, and it is fun to study.
My students love it and you will too.
"One of the greatest learning experiences I have encountered"
"Wonderful course. Wonderful teacher. Wonderful explanations. "
"I liked how you added important grammar and even the culture of your country. "
"I love how it feels like I'm learning from PBS"
"I love the course. Very very informative"
"Awesome instructor. Takes his time to teach. Gives the meanings and the what to listen for"
This Spanish course for beginners is a solid, entertaining program for basic level students who are serious about learning Spanish, but who are tired of the traditional methods. With my course, I will help you learn simple, useful Spanish vocabulary naturally by using your intuition. It's the way children learn, and my technique will work for you, too.
Besides learning basic Spanish vocabulary and grammar, you'll also develop solid learning strategies and memory hacks that are invaluable for anybody who has had trouble learning a foreign language in the past.
This course is based on more than 20 years of experience as the owner of the leading Spanish language immersion school in Lima, Peru, "El Sol".
As a special bonus and for a limited time, I've included an audio version so you can study offline and on the road.
Hi! This is a 44 lesson basic Spanish course for beginners, or for students who want to refresh the Spanish they might have learned in college or high school. Please take a moment to download the study guide and the audios so you can also study offline.
What will you learn if you follow these lessons? Well, among other things, you will learn how to present yourself, how to ask simple questions, how to order food, how to express your feelings, and you will learn how to share your opinions with others.
That’s not a complete list, but suffice to say that you will learn enough beginners Spanish to get across a simple message and to have a simple conversation.
You will also develop foundation knowledge that you can continue to build on if you decide to keep studying with us afterwards. The title says it all: Spanish Awakenings.
This basic Spanish course for beginners is a launching pad that will give you a solid start in learning Spanish.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to introduce yourself and how to ask someone for their name in Spanish, then stay tuned after the story and I’ll explain how you can get the most out of the lessons in this series.
You are going to meet two of our main characters in this first dialogue, Milagros and Diana. So the backstory is that Milagros saw a studio apartment for rent online.
I am telling you, if you want to get a basic handle on Spanish, hang in there! and accompany me through these lessons, and do the work. If you really commit to the process, and you put in the time and the effort, you can do it!
I’ll see you soon in lesson two! ¡Chau¡
Description: In this lesson, you will learn a few ways to describe the things in your surroundings.
Let’s jump back into the story, and see how the prospective new tenant, Milagros, wants to see the apartment before she seals the deal. So, Diana shows her around, pointing out the main areas. Pay close attention to how she describes what she sees using the verb “to be”, which is “ser”, in Spanish.
Remember to use the study guide and audios to complement these videos, and if you’d like some extra help, contact Webspanish to arrange some private tutoring. It would be our pleasure to help.
Okay.. do some homework, and I will see you soon. ¡Hasta pronto!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about your family and how to use pronouns. We´ll also take another look at the verb “ser.
Milagros is curious to know about her new landlords, and Diana is interested in knowing a bit more about her family’s new tenant, so they continue their conversation in Diana’s living room over a cup of coffee. Pay close attention to how Diana talks about her family using the verb “to be” “ser”.
So, Watch, Listen, Decipher, Absorb, Review and Memorize. It’s A powerful mix, and it is going to work for you. Just Keep at it!
Alright, thumbs up and give us a like if you enjoyed the lesson, and if you haven´t done it already, go ahead and subscribe to the Web Spanish channel so we can keep you updated about new content.
All right! ¡Bien!. See you next lesson.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn some of the most common titles you can use to address people, and you are going to pick up a powerful three letter verb that you can start using right away.
In our dialogue, Milagros asks Diana about the neighborhood. Pay close attention to the titles Diana uses when referring to her neighbors, and how she uses the verb “hay”.
¡Genial! Okay! That’s all for now. Please give the video a like if you thought it was useful, and subscribe to our channel. We’d love to stay in touch with you. And if you are interested in learning more about our online Spanish classes, visit Webspanish.com and learn more. See you next time. Bye.
¡Hasta la próxima, amigos! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson you will learn the alphabet in Spanish so you can spell your name out loud, and I’ll tell you about the letter that doesn’t exist in the English alphabet.
Listen in as Milagros takes a call from an art gallery that wants to confirm her attendance at the inauguration of a photography exhibit.
You´ll find a few more examples of words with eñe (Ñ) in the Listen to the audio that accompanies this lesson. Check it out!
Finally, if you’d like to improve your pronunciation in Spanish by working with a private Spanish tutor online, consider registering with us. Alright, I will see you next lesson. ¡Cuidate! That means “Take care of yourself”. ¡Cuidate! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to ask people where they are from, and you’ll learn why Spanish speakers who want to say “you” use either the pronoun “tú” or “usted”.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to ask about professions and hobbies, we´ll take another look at the verb “ser” and we will look at one of the most important strategies you can apply as a Spanish learner to help keep you motivated and on track with your studies.
As our story continues, Milagros is still at the photo exhibit talking to her new friend, Renzo. Pay close attention to the way they speak about their occupations and professions.
Okay. If you liked what you saw in this lesson, please give the video a “like”. It’s a big help for us, and please stay in touch by subscribing to our channel. If you’d like some additional tutoring, drop us a line and we’ll set you up with your own personalized Spanish course online. We’d love to help you reach your goal, whatever it is.
Alright. We’ll see you soon! ¡Nos vemos pronto!
Description: In this lesson, we will learn some of the ways to talk about work and professions, and we will show you how to practice that tricky “ere”, the sound the “r” sometimes makes in Spanish.
In today’s lesson, Diana and Milagros meet at the neighborhood coffee shop. Listen carefully to their conversation and pay attention to how they discuss the occupations of their friends.
Contact us to arrange classes if you’d like to arrange a arrange some Spanish classes online. We offer packages Packages of 5, 10, 30 and 50 hours of class. All of our classes are one-on-one, so you get 100% individualized attention. Learning on your own is good, but learning with a private teacher is even better.
Hey, if you think these lessons are giving you a new and original way to learn Spanish, give these videos a “like”. You can also subscribe to our channel and get all of our updates.
See you next lesson! ¡Hasta la próxima lección!
Description: In this lesson, we’ll show you a few ways in which you can talk about the activities you do, and we’ll take a minute to look at the impact of Quechua, the language spoken by the Incas, on the Spanish language, and we´ll talk about the most important tool in your language-learning toolbox.
Let’s join Milagros and Diana, who are still at the neighborhood coffee shop. Pay attention to how they get to know a bit more about each other by mentioning the activities they normally engage in.
Don´t forget to review the study guide and audios for this lesson. Besides a review of the dialogue, you´ll also see the words for Check the study guide! to Learn to say ….My Yours His Hers Theirs in Spanish and the conjugation of the verbs Learn the Spanish for To do To have To go up To learn”. Very practical. Put in the work to memorize them.
Hey, if you enjoyed this video, take a moment and give us a thumbs up. Huge help. Subscribe to our channel too, if you want to stay in touch with us.
That’s it for now. See you soon! ¡Nos vemos pronto!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about activities and frequency, and we will look at the most important thing you need to do in order to make the most of your precious study time.
In this dialogue, Milagros and Diana are still hanging out at the coffee shop. Pay attention to how they talk about their daily activities.
You are never too old to learn Spanish. That’s really far from the truth. As an adult learner you have the huge advantage of being able You can analyze how you learn, and You can maximize your study time.
We’ll look at a few more strategies in future lesson, but for now, I hope you can apply the two we’ve looked at so far. Set your goals, and develop your ability to focus, focus, focus Okay. That’s all for now. Please, before you move on, please gift us a like. You can also keep in touch with Web Spanish by subscribing to our channel.
‘Nuff said. See you next lesson! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to introduce someone, and how to talk about professions.
At the beginning of the series, you learned how to introduce yourself, now it’s time to broaden your horizons and start introducing others. Milagros has invited Diana to a gathering at her friend’s house. Listen to how she introduces Diana to her friends.At the beginning of the series, you learned how to introduce yourself, now it’s time to broaden your horizons and start introducing others. Milagros has invited Diana to a gathering at her friend’s house. Listen to how she introduces Diana to her friends.
Contact us to schedule lessons arrange a convenient schedule. Most of our students study one to three hours per week, but the Class frequency is up to you entirely up to you.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to speak about marital status, you will learn how to say that you HAVE something using the verb “tener”, and you’ll learn another important difference between the verbs “ser” and “estar”.
Now, part of socializing is to learn personal details about other people. After Milagros has introduced Diana to her friends, Diana asks her about their relationship status. Listen carefully to how the women use the verb “tener”.
These tips are all in good fun. Take them or leave them or leave them, but Just be aware that they exist.
That’s all for now! Subscribe to our channel. We’d love to keep you posted about our new videos, and if you like this particular lesson, take a second to give us a “thumbs up”.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn the spanish articles, you will hear how to say “the” and “those” in Spanish, you will learn a killer technique to help you memorize new words. And if that weren’t enough, I’ll show you how to use the verb “to like” in Spanish, which works very differently than it does in English.
Milagros and Diana are getting ready to leave the gathering, so they call a taxi service, and while they wait, they start making some plans. Pay close attention and listen for the articles “the” and “those” in Spanish, which are “el”, “la”, “los”,”las”.
These aren’t the best associations, but they don’t have to be. They just need to work. I came with both of these in under a minute! It’s easy once you get the hang of it, and once you begin to apply the power of word associations, you’ll increase your vocab faster than you thought possible. You’ll be Working smarter, not harder.
That’s all for this lesson. If you enjoyed this lesson and found it useful, please, give it a like. That helps us reach more people with our videos. If you’d like us to keep you posted about new lessons, subscribe to our channel.
See you soon. Nos vemos pronto!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to express plans and desires, and I’ll show you what you can expect if you enroll in a language immersion program in a Spanish speaking country.
Diana and Milagros have decided to take a trip together, and they are on their way to the Peruvian Amazon rainforest. Listen to their conversation, and pay close attention to how they express desires and plans using the verb “ to want” “querer”.
in conclusion, if you can travel to Latin American and study on an immersion program, do it. “You won’t regret it.” You can even make an immersion program a Make it a reward! for yourself for having achieved some the learning goals that you are pursuing now as an independent learner. Consider it.
Okay. That’s all for now. “Es todo por ahora”. Please give us a like, and subscribe to our channel.
We’ll see you soon. “Nos vemos pronto”.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn the names for common colors and you’ll learn even more about the “to be” verbs: “ser” and “estar”.
Describing the things around you is a part of everyday conversation. Listen in to Milagros and Diana who are still in the Peruvian Amazon as they discuss their surroundings.
In Summary? “ “Hay que” is a good simple way to say “I have to, you have to, she has to, etc., do something.” Whereas But “Hay” by itself = “There is” or “There are”.
Hay que correr
¡Hay insectos!
Ahora, hay que estudiar
Alright! That’s all for this lesson. Before we turn off the camera, I just want to say that the team and I really enjoy making these videos to help you learn Spanish. If they are useful to you, please show us your support by giving us “thumbs up” and liking this video and by subscribing to our channel.
Okay, so until next time! ¡Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to speak about breakfast foods, and we´ll take a peek at some of the most popular breakfast dishes in the Peruvian jungle.
Like your dear mama, or maybe your nutritionist, has told you, breakfast is the most important meal of the day! Well, let’s join Milagros and Diana on their trip to Iquitos, where they are getting ready to tuck into a hearty local breakfast.
Thanks to such a rich culinary tradition, Lima has become a real hotspot for foodies in the past decade. If you love to eat and try new flavors, Peru is a pretty spectacular place to visit!
Well, that’s all from me. A short lesson that this time. If you learned something new, please give the video a “like”, and subscribe to our channel.
See you next time.
“¡Nos vemos en la siguiente lección!” ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to ask for ideas and opinions and to make plans for the future. Then we are going to explore the archeology and wildlife of the Peruvian Andes.
Besides being a great source of information, asking someone for their ideas and opinions provides an ice breaker into a conversation, and learning to talk about an action in the future will help you turn theory into action. Listen in as Diana and Milagros talk about how they’d like to travel again, since their first trip together was such a success.
Now City of Arequipa is inland from the Pacific, but nestled at the base of the Peruvian Andes, Located at the base of the Misty Volcano. Besides having one of the most popular regional cuisines, Arequipa is One of Peru’s oldest and most important cities.
If you ever get a chance to visit Arequipa, don’t miss this extraordinary historical site.
All right! That was a long lesson. You are doing great! See next time.
¡Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to describe physical and personality traits and we will see how your given name might have a surprising equivalent in Spanish.
Milagros and Diana have ventured onto an online dating site and are browsing through some profiles. They comment on the appearances and interests of the men they see. Pay close attention to how they describe physical and personality traits
There are a few more English names that have an equivalent in Spanish included in the study guide, so check that out when you have the time.
Check the audios too so you can continue to perfect your pronunciation. Can you figure out how your own name would be pronounced in Spanish? Would it have a different version altogether? It’s all in a name!
Ok. Good work! See you soon.
¡Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to make comparisons in Spanish, and we will take a look at nicknames in Peru.
Making comparisons is probably one of the strongest abilities our mind has. It’s so much a part of day to day life that it’s often almost unconscious. Now pay close attention to how our characters make comparisons using adjectives in Spanish.
My advice is to avoid using these nicknames yourself, and if you ever get a nickname that makes you uncomfortable, just tell people, “It’s better to call me by my name” “Mejor, llamame por mi nombre” –. It’s your right, and they will understand.
Okay! Remember to keep practicing with the study guide and audios from our webpage. I will catch up with you on the next lesson. You are doing great!
¡Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to order food in Spanish and you’ll take a peek at a few of the most popular Peruvian dishes.
When you are traveling, one of the first and most important things you try to learn is how to order food in the host country. Pay close attention, as Diana puts in a delivery order for a three-course lunch, known in Spanish as a menú.
All right, check the study guide for some additional vocabulary that will help you out when it comes time to ordering in a restaurant.
So, you learned a couple things. Good for you. Give yourself a pat on the back, and maybe even a trip to the fridge. See you next time.
¡Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn to express how you are feeling emotionally and physically.
So, say you are feeling hungry, thirsty, dizzy, lucky or tired, and you want to convey this in Spanish to someone else, one of the ways you can do it by using the verb “to have” - “tener”. In our story, Diana’s birthday party is underway. Pay close attention to how Milagros and Diana tell each other how they are feeling.
Hey, by the way, two more great take aways from this lesson are the expressions for I am sorry = Lo siento and You’re right = Tienes razón. Get those onto your flashcards, and into your long-term memory!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to talk about one of the most universal topics of all: the family.
Family is important wherever you go, but this is particularly true in Latin America, where even the extended family can take on extra significance. Pay close attention to how Diana talks about her aunts, uncles, cousins and other members of her family.
You know, when in comes to pronunciation problems, the speaker is the last one to know about it, but if you suspect that you have special difficulty when it comes to pronouncing Spanish, Consider some private classes online with Web Spanish. All of our teachers are Native Spanish speakers, they are Friendly and patient, and they will let you know what sounds you are mispronouncing, and they will help you to fix the error. So, If you would like their help, register for classes! On our webpage, we’ll set you up with a teacher.
All right! That’s it for me! Till next time.
¡Hasta pronto!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to speak of destination and cause, plus the protocol of gift-giving in Peru.
One of the minefields for Spanish students is learning the difference between the use of “por” and “para”, both of which translate as “for” in English, but which have very different uses one from the other. Let’s join Milagros as she gives Diana a birthday gift. Pay close attention to how they use “por” and “para” in their conversation. You saw in the story that Diana was pretty happy with her gift, and Milagros enjoyed giving it.
In middle class Lima, customs are not that different from the United States, if that is a good starting point for you. For example, when a child has a birthday, they will usually celebrate with a party or gathering and they are likely to receive Toys for kids from their friends and family.
As always, the more meaningful your gift, the better. Don’t be shy giving something that reflects you, or your own culture.
So, in this lessons we learned when to use "por" and "para in Spanish. Take care! ¡Cuidate! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to express desire, eagerness and intention, and you will dip you’ll get some insight into the difference between English and Spanish punctuation.
Description: In this lesson, you will hear how to show agreement, and you’ll learn about some of the most famous traditional hot beverages in Peru.
Our setting for the dialogue is a coffee shop, where Diana has agreed to meet Renzo for a chat. It’s not quite a date; they’re just finding out whether or not they are compatible. Pay close attention to how they show how they agree with each other.
Another popular drink, especially in winter, is “Emoliente”. Now, “emoliente” is a concoction of different a blend of medicinal plants, seeds and fruits. It can be drunk warm or cold, and since it is usually prepared to order, you can request it just the way you like it.
Alright. That’s all for now. There was little bit of everything in today´s lesson. I hope that you enjoyed it.
See you soon. ¡Hasta pronto”
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to start a telephone conversation and how to arrange to meet someone, and then we´ll look at some capitalization rules, and how these vary between English and Spanish.
When we left our story, we saw how Renzo and Diana met over coffee and seemed to hit it off. This is going to prompt Renzo to try to move the relationship to another level, so he calls Diana on the telephone to ask her out for dinner.
That’s all for me! Check the study guide to learn a few different ways to say “see you at such and such a time, or at such and such a place”. It’s all good stuff! Hey, if you thought you learned something in this video and enjoyed watching it, please give us a like.
See you soon. ¡Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to say this, that and those in Spanish.
Diana is getting ready for her dinner date with Renzo, so she asks Milagros for wardrobe advice, and in doing so, she needs to point out which items of clothing she is thinking about wearing.
These are absolute power words for a beginner so check your study guide and audios to review.
All right, that’s it for this lesson. Hit the “Like” button if you enjoyed it, and don’t forget to subscribe to our channel. We’d love to stay connected with you. And if you’d like to get some one-to-one coaching to help you practice and perfect what you are learning here, contact us, and we’ll set you up with a patient and qualified teacher who will help you progress at your own pace.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to ask for favors and express abilities, we´ll review “tú” and “usted” and we’ll take a look at hand signals, covering some of the good, the bad and the ugly.
Today, we’ll look at the auxiliary verb “can”, which in Spanish is “poder”. It’s another short power word because, just like in English, you can use it to express an ability and to ask for favors.
Now, in our story, Renzo and Diana are finally out on their dinner date and during their conversation, they talk about different things they are able to do. Pay close attention to how they talk about their abilities using the verb “poder”
Learning to use non-verbal signs can be a blast and it can be really rewarding when you use them appropriately to the amusement and amazement of your friends!
See you next time. Please take a moment to “like” this video if you thought it was useful. Your “like” will help us reach more people with these free lessons. And if you like how these lessons help you learn about the Spanish language and culture in Peru, subscribe to the Web Spanish channel.
It would be great to have you join us. ¡
Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn another super useful way to express your opinion.
Now expressing an opinion is another one of your language learning musts. In the dialogue, Diana and Renzo are still on their date and they are talking about their hobbies and what they believe to be fun. Pay close attention to how they express their opinions using the verbs “pensar” and “creer”.
Okay. That’s all for now. If you learned something new, please give this video a “like”. We´d be very grateful for that. And if you haven’t done so already, subscribe to our channel.
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to make excuses and give explanations, and I’ll tell you a little bit about the film industry in Latin America.
It’s inevitable, once you have been speaking with someone long enough, at some point you’ll will have to give an explanation or excuse yourself. Now, in our story, we see how Diana and Renzo have decided to continue their date after their meal and take in something they both enjoy: a good horror film.
While Renzo is off buying popcorn, Diana gets a call from Milagros, who is curious to know how everything is going, but because she is busy, she needs to make an excuse and bail out of the conversation.
And one last tip, if there is a check out a L.A. film festival Latin American film festival ever breezes through your town, I really recommend that you attend. The movies will be subtitled, and your payback is huge: you will be entertained, you’ll pick up some new vocabulary, and you’ll gain a unique insight into the different countries that make up Latin America.
See you next lesson! ¡Hasta la próxima!
Description: In this lesson, you will learn how to make friendly suggestions, how to manage a couple common irregular verbs, and we´ll another look at one of Peru’s most famous cities: Cuzco.
Milagros, Diana and Renzo are at a coffee shop, when Milagros asks the other two for recommendations for her upcoming trip to Cuzco, which is a close hop to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley. Pay close attention to the verbs “querer” - “To want = Querer”, and “recomendar” - “To recommend” = Recomendar”, which are great examples of irregular Spanish verbs that change their root when conjugated.
If you ever get the chance to visit Peru, and I hope you do, Cusco, Machu Picchu, and Vinicunca – the Mountain of Seven Colors - all need to be on your list of places to visit! They are as unique as they are beautiful!
I´d like to invite you to register for private classes with Web Spanish if you think some one-on-one lessons would be useful to you. We have helped a great many people just like you, and we’d love to work with you, too.
¡Hasta la próxima! ¡Chau!
Description: This is the last lesson in the Spanish Awakenings series. It’s time to wrap up our story. You’ve made it!
Diana and Renzo have come to see Milagros off at the airport on her trip to Cuzco, in the Peruvian Andes. Pay close attention to the verbs “to know” - “conocer”, “to deserve”- “merecer”, and “to deduce”- “deducir”, which are examples of irregular verbs ending in “”CER” and “CIR”.
The goal of this series was to give you Basic skills for travel in case you want to travel to Latin America or Spain, and to provide you with a Spanish language foundation that you can build on.
If the Web Spanish school can help you along your learning path by providing you with an experienced and qualified instructor to teach you one-to-one online, just visit our website and register for classes.
Thank you! very much for watching the Spanish Awakenings series! Having you watch the series all the way to the end is really rewarding to all of the teachers and writers who worked on this project. If you enjoyed what you saw, please give us a “like”, and subscribe to our channel so we can notify you when we publish new content.
¡Hasta luego! ¡Gracias!
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