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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Thank you so much for the kind words—and the thoughtful suggestion! We’ve put a lot of care into making the site clean and welcoming, so it’s great to hear that it comes across that way. Totally agree that adding more interactive content and expert insights could really elevate the experience, and we’re actively exploring ways to do just that. Stay tuned—more engaging features are definitely on the way!