12 common problems learning Spanish (and how to fix them)
We collected the questions learners ask most on forums, especially the difficulties Chinese speakers run into, in three groups: pronunciation, grammar and study habits. Each one explains why it happens and how to practise.
Pronunciation problems
Can't roll the R
rr, and r at the start of a word, need a tongue trill that Chinese doesn't have.
lightbulb Practise tr and dr first (tres, drama), a few minutes a day; it usually takes a few weeks. People still understand you meanwhile, so take your time.
Mixing up b and p, d and t
Spanish p, t and k have no puff of air, so they sound like Mandarin b, d and g, while Spanish b, d and g are voiced. That is why Chinese speakers mix them up.
lightbulb Put your hand on your throat: you should feel it vibrate for b, d and g, but not for p, t and k. Also, Spanish b and v sound the same.
Stress in the wrong place
Stress can change the meaning, for example papa (potato) and papá (dad).
lightbulb The basic rule: words ending in a vowel, n or s stress the second-to-last syllable; others stress the last one; a written accent overrides both.
Words run together
Native speakers link words together, so real speech sounds nothing like the textbook audio.
lightbulb Replay and repeat one short recording until you can hear every word; it works better than hours of listening.
Grammar problems
Verb conjugation won't stick
Every verb changes with the person and tense, so one verb has dozens of forms.
lightbulb Master the three regular groups (-ar, -er, -ir), then use them again and again in sentences and conversation instead of memorising tables.
Gender and agreement
Every noun is masculine or feminine and articles and adjectives must match; Chinese has nothing like it.
lightbulb -o is usually masculine and -a feminine, with exceptions (el día, la mano). Learn every noun with its article.
Ser or estar?
Both mean "to be", but they are used differently.
lightbulb Ser for who or what something is, estar for states and places: Soy profesor (I am a teacher), Estoy cansado (I am tired).
The subjunctive
Wishes, doubts and feelings need the subjunctive. It starts around B1 and is where many learners get stuck.
lightbulb Learn common patterns first, like Espero que… (I hope…) and Quiero que… (I want…), then the rules make more sense.
Study habit problems
Afraid to speak
Fear of mistakes keeps you quiet until a sentence is perfect, so you practise less and less.
lightbulb Get it out first, get it right later. Native speakers are usually patient with learners.
English getting in the way
Many words look like English but mean something else: embarazada means pregnant, not embarrassed; éxito means success, not exit.
lightbulb Knowing English is a big help, since you can guess many words. Just watch out for these false friends.
Running out of steam
You start keen, stop when life gets busy, and soon forget what you learned.
lightbulb 15–20 minutes a day beats a few hours once a week. Regular lesson times also help you keep going.
No direction when self-studying
There is so much material that you don't know what to learn first or how far to go.
lightbulb Use the CEFR levels (A1 to C2) as goals and go level by level; each has clear content and hours.
Questions about learning Spanish
Is Spanish hard for Chinese speakers?
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Pronunciation is fairly easy, since Spanish is mostly read as written. The hard parts are grammar Chinese doesn't have: conjugation, gender and the subjunctive. Step by step through the levels, complete beginners can learn it well.
Does knowing English help?
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Yes. Both use the same alphabet and share many words; watch out for false friends and English is an advantage.
What is hardest for Chinese speakers?
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Most often the rolled R, voiced and voiceless sounds like b and p, and verb conjugation. All of them improve with targeted practice.
Self-study or lessons?
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Self-study can build a base, but pronunciation and speaking need someone to correct you on the spot. One-to-one lessons target your weakest points, so progress is usually faster.
Can I try a lesson first?
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Yes. The first 50-minute trial lesson is free; the teacher finds out your level and what you find hard, then suggests how to study.
Stuck on one of these? Book a free trial lesson and practise your weak points with a teacher.
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