5 Step Process to Memorize Anything in Spanish

I absolutely loathe memorization.

This is a phrase that some of my students keep telling me. And it happens to me when I learn languages, so I understand it perfectly.

Sadly, there is no other way to learn languages.

At some point in the process, you must take out the flashcards and fill them in, review, repeat, and repeat. And repeat.

Happily, I came up with a method that can be used to make this process more bearable.

Table of Contents

• Understanding Memory in Learning

• Step 1: Learn with Context

• Step 2: Repeat and Connect

• Step 3: Test Yourself

• Step 4: Make Up Memory Aids

• Step 5: Use Spanish in Real Life

Understanding Memory in Learning

Before diving into better learning Spanish, it's important to understand how memory works. Memory isn't just about keeping information. It's about learning something new, keeping it over time, and remembering it when you need to. Knowing this can help make learning Spanish more effective.

Step 1: Learn with Context

Start by learning new Spanish words or rules in sentences, not just by themselves. For example, don't just memorize gato (cat) alone. Learn it in a sentence like El gato duerme en la silla (The cat sleeps on the chair). This helps you remember not just the word but how to use it.

By the way, a website sells practice sessions using this method at 247 Euros. Here you have it for free! 

Step 2: Repeat and Connect

Keep going over the new words or rules. Do it after a day, then a week, and keep increasing the time between. Link the new stuff with things you are familiar with. This way, gato might remind you of your own cat or a cat from a story.

Step 3: Test Yourself

Try to remember what you've learned without looking. Use flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the back. This practice helps make your memory stronger. You could have a card that asks what the Spanish word for "cat" is, and you'll remember gato.

Step 4: Make Up Memory Aids

If some words or rules are hard to remember, make up a fun way to remember them. If you find correr (to run) hard to remember, think of running from a crow. It's a funny picture, but it'll help you remember.

Step 5: Use Spanish in Real Life

Use your Spanish by watching Spanish shows, talking with people who speak Spanish, or writing in Spanish. This makes everything you've learned stronger and builds your confidence.

Learning how memory works and following these steps can make learning Spanish clearer and more direct.

It's about making Spanish a part of your everyday life.