Fact or myth: can you learn Spanish by dating a native speaker?

If you survived and succeeded on your first date in Spanish, you are probably now taking the next step: asking them for another date.

It doesn’t mean you will start a formal relationship or fall in love with that person; it means you will spend a lot of time talking and getting to know each other better.

Dating a Colombian or any other native Spanish speaker will allow you to learn and improve this language and get closer to their culture.

So,

Would dating a native Spanish speaker will help you learn Spanish?

To a certain extent, yes, it would help, but it’s not the norm.

Many people have been with a native speaker for years but still don’t speak the language fluently.

Conversely, some couples have been together for only a few months, and the nonnative speaker has improved the language significantly.

What does it depend on?

1. Dating or falling in love with a native Spanish speaker is no substitute for studying.
2. It depends on your level of Spanish
3. It depends on which country you are living in and the social circle you are hanging out in.
4. If the other person speaks fluently your language

1. Dating or falling in love with a native Spanish speaker is no substitute for studying

Some say having a Spanish-speaking girlfriend or boyfriend is the fastest way to master the language. Although it is an excellent opportunity to learn new vocabulary, practice, and improve the language, it will never substitute the academic path.

The strong foundations you get when learning Spanish with an experienced tutor or while studying or working abroad can’t be comparable to the language you learn in a relationship.

If you want to learn Spanish, then start from there!

Get formal teaching by experienced teachers. If possible, get a full immersion in a Spanish-speaking country to interact socially with native speakers and cultural activities. Apply for internships, jobs, or volunteer opportunities where you must use the language.

While doing all this, you will learn Spanish and eventually you might find someone you like.

2. It depends on your level of Spanish

We need to be realistic, if your Spanish level is beginner, you can’t expect to learn the language and have deep conversations with your lover after only a few days or months together.

However, you can take this as an opportunity to learn the language and new vocabulary. If this is your case, you can, for example, start listening to Spanish or Latin American songs with your date and read and translate the lyrics. It will not only connect you with their culture but will tune your ears and teach you vocabulary and useful expressions.

If your Spanish level is intermediate, dating a native Spanish speaker will help you improve your level of Spanish faster. So, don’t be shy, go practice!

There’s no better opportunity than this!

3. It depends on which country you are living in, and the social circle you are hanging out in

This makes a huge difference.

For instance, having a Colombian girlfriend or boyfriend will help you learn and improve your Spanish if you live in Colombia.

Why?

Because you will be more exposed to their language and culture.

Even if your girlfriend or boyfriend is bilingual, the fact that you are in their country means everyone will Speak Spanish in social gatherings, concerts, and movies, among many other activities. You don’t want to miss all the fun because you don’t speak Spanish!

On the other hand, if you are dating a Spanish speaker in your home country or a different country, then the whole experience will be different. You will be exposed to daily life and social gatherings in a language different from Spanish. So, you won’t make the same effort to learn Spanish.

If you want to learn the language, then you need to make it happen. Join Spanish online classes or language exchange, and agree with them to dedicate certain hours per week to practice the language.

4. If the other person speaks fluently your language

If your date or partner speaks fluent English, this can be a problem for you.

Why?

Firstly, we tend to speak to people in the language we started in. In this case, probably in English.

Secondly, if you know they speak your language, you will get frustrated or simply impatient trying to communicate in Spanish, and you will use English to express yourself instead. This is the worst thing you can do because you will never leave that comfort zone and push yourself enough, so your Spanish level will take some time to improve.

It’s not easy to express our feelings, emotions, and frustration, even in our language… now, imagine doing it in Spanish!…

But let us tell you that you will significantly improve if you take yourself out of your language comfort zone.

How falling in love with a Spanish Speaker can help you learn the language

Dating a native speaker immerses you in the culture in ways no lessons or textbooks could ever accomplish, from the latest slang expressions to the best places to eat and hang out.

When you fall in love, you will naturally increase your exposure to the language through text messages, calls, music, or daily interactions. You will also interact more with their family and friends.

By doing so, your vocabulary will quickly expand beyond flirtatious Spanish, love words, and phrases. You will want to have deeper, more meaningful conversations.

Quick Tip: Learn the difference between gustar, querer, amar in Spanish!

Also, remember that fights and arguments will come along; unfortunately, they are great ways to test your language skills! … So, get ready for it!

We hope this article is useful for you! If you want to feel more confident speaking in Spanish with your friends and on future dates, join our Spanish for dating and relationships classes.

You will learn basic vocabulary, everyday Colombian slang and expressions, and those cultural conduct codes you need to know to understand Colombian women and men.

Don’t forget to follow our social media, and read our blog to LEARN MORE THAN SPANISH.

We hope to see you in Colombia soon!