Spanish from zero: one-to-one online lessons, A1 to A2
You can start without knowing any Spanish. This page covers the problems beginners run into most, roughly how long it takes, and what you learn at A1 and A2. A native teacher teaches you one-to-one and adapts to your pace and goals.
- check_circleStart from zero
- check_circleSpanish–Chinese textbooks
- check_circleOne-to-one with a native teacher
5 things beginners find hardest
These are the questions beginners ask most on learner forums, and one-to-one lessons can give them extra practice.
The rolled R / RR
Spanish rr, and r at the start of a word, need a tongue trill. Chinese and English have no such sound, so many learners struggle with it.
lightbulb Start with tr and dr (tres, drama) and practise a few minutes a day. It usually takes a few weeks to come.
Verb conjugation
Every verb changes with the person and the tense, so one verb has dozens of forms, and memorising tables alone does not stick.
lightbulb Learn the three regular groups (-ar, -er, -ir) first, then use them again and again in sentences and conversation.
Masculine and feminine nouns
Every noun is masculine or feminine, and articles and adjectives have to match it.
lightbulb Words ending in -o are usually masculine and -a feminine, with exceptions (el día, la mano). Learn each noun with its article.
Ser and estar
Both mean "to be", but they are used differently, and beginners mix them up all the time.
lightbulb A simple rule: ser for who or what something is, estar for states and places. Soy profesor (I am a teacher), Estoy cansado (I am tired).
Not understanding, afraid to speak
Native speakers talk fast and run words together, and the fear of mistakes keeps many learners quiet even after months of study.
lightbulb In a one-to-one lesson it is just you and the teacher: you can speak slowly and get corrected straight away.
How one-to-one lessons help
The teacher focuses only on you: pronunciation is corrected on the spot, and conjugation and grammar are practised in conversation. Grammar classes use textbooks in Spanish and Chinese, so beginners can follow.
How long does it take from zero?
In our syllabus A1 takes about 38 hours and A2 about 54 hours. Here is roughly how long that is, by lessons per week.
| Level | 1 a week | 2 a week | 3 a week |
|---|---|---|---|
|
A1 Beginner
about 38 hours
|
~9 months | ~4 months | ~3 months |
|
A2 Elementary
about 54 hours
|
~13 months | ~6 months | ~4 months |
Based on one hour per lesson and about 4.3 weeks a month, for reference only. Real progress depends on each learner and on reviewing between lessons.
What do you learn at A1 and A2?
Introduce yourself and handle everyday situations in simple Spanish.
- check_circle The alphabet and pronunciation rules: Spanish is mostly read as it is written
- check_circle Everyday conversations: introducing yourself, asking the way, ordering food, shopping
- check_circle The present tense and common verb conjugations
- check_circle Ser vs estar, tener vs haber
- check_circle Noun gender, and matching articles and adjectives
Talk about familiar topics like family, friends, work and shopping, and about the past and future.
- check_circle Past tenses: preterite and imperfect
- check_circle The future tense
- check_circle Using prepositions and articles
- check_circle Possessives, pronouns and reflexive verbs
- check_circle Direct and indirect objects
A look at our textbook
Grammar classes use our own textbooks, starting from A1 Lesson 1, the vowels, and building your Spanish step by step.
- check_circle Spanish and Chinese side by side in every lesson
- check_circle Colourful pictures that help new words stick, easy for children too
- check_circle Students can download each lesson after signing in
menu_bookA1 · Sesión 1 · Las Vocales
4 study tips for beginners
A little every day
15–20 minutes of review a day works better than a few hours once a week.
Read aloud with the audio
Repeat after the textbook audio sentence by sentence, and replay the fast, linked-up parts.
Listen closely, not just a lot
Replaying one short recording until you understand it helps more than hours of background listening.
Don't fear mistakes
Native speakers are usually patient with learners. Speak first, then polish.
Questions beginners ask
Can a native teacher teach a complete beginner?
expand_more
Yes. Grammar classes start at A1 with textbooks in Spanish and Chinese, and the teacher can explain in English when needed. One-to-one, you go at your own pace.
Do I need to know English first?
expand_more
Not necessarily, but it helps: Spanish and English use the same alphabet and share many words (información and information). Teachers explain in English when needed, so basic English makes it easier.
Should I learn Spain or Latin American Spanish?
expand_more
They understand each other and the grammar is basically the same. The main differences are how c and z sound, and vosotros (used in Spain; Latin America uses ustedes). Tell us in the trial lesson why you are learning or where you are going.
How many lessons a week is best?
expand_more
For steady progress, 2 to 3 lessons a week, with a little review every day in between.
Can I try a lesson first?
expand_more
Yes. The first 50-minute trial lesson is free, and the teacher finds out your level and goals.
Start with a free trial lesson: the teacher checks your level and helps you make a study plan.
calendar_today Book a free 50-min trial