Starting a new language can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re staring at a vocabulary list you don’t understand or hearing native speakers talk a mile a minute.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to be a “natural” or a kid to master a new language. You just need the right strategy, a little discipline, and the right support.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to start learning a new language from scratch — and how platforms like Preply can dramatically increase your chances of success.
👉 Click here to find your perfect language tutor on Preply today
1. Set a Clear (and Realistic) Goal
Before you crack open a textbook or download another app, ask yourself:
- Why do you want to learn this language?
- How will you know you’ve succeeded?
Examples:
- “Hold a 5-minute conversation in Spanish by July.”
- “Pass the JLPT N5 Japanese exam this year.”
- “Order food confidently on my trip to Paris.”
Tip: Make your goals specific, measurable, and time-bound.
2. Build Your Daily Routine Early
Consistency beats cramming. It’s better to study for 20 minutes a day than 3 hours once a week.
Here’s a beginner-friendly daily schedule:
- 🗣️ 10 minutes speaking practice (even if it’s solo)
- 📖 5 minutes vocabulary review (flashcards or app)
- 🎧 5 minutes listening practice (music, podcasts, TV)
Bonus: Schedule lessons 2–3 times per week with a real tutor to build accountability.
👉 Find a Preply tutor who fits your schedule
3. Learn Useful Phrases First
Forget “The cat is under the table.” Start with high-frequency phrases you’ll actually use:
- “How much does it cost?”
- “Can you help me?”
- “I don’t understand.”
- “Where is the bathroom?”
Working with a live tutor on Preply helps you prioritize speaking real language — not just textbook exercises.
4. Practice Speaking ASAP (Even If You Make Mistakes)
Many beginners wait months before speaking — big mistake!
Speaking early (even badly) helps:
- Strengthen memory retention
- Build confidence faster
- Identify gaps in understanding
With Preply, you can start practicing basic conversations from your very first lesson.
👉 Book a trial lesson with a native speaker today
5. Track Progress with Mini-Milestones
Instead of obsessing over “fluency,” focus on mini wins:
- Learn 100 core words
- Hold a 2-minute conversation
- Watch a kid’s show without subtitles
Celebrate these milestones — they’re proof that you’re moving forward!
Many Preply tutors even create personalized milestone plans to keep you motivated between lessons.
6. Get Feedback and Adjust Fast
Self-study alone can lead to bad habits. A real tutor will:
- Correct your pronunciation
- Fine-tune your grammar naturally
- Adapt to your learning style
The faster you get feedback, the faster you improve.
👉 See Preply’s top-rated language tutors here
Final Thoughts: You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Learning a new language is one of the most rewarding journeys you can take — but it’s a lot easier (and faster) with the right guide.
With Preply, you’ll get access to thousands of expert tutors, flexible scheduling, and lessons tailored to your goals and learning style.
👉 Start your first lesson with a Preply tutor today
Consistency, real practice, and smart support = success. You’ve got this!
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