When I first started learning Spanish, the term “artificial intelligence” mostly conjured up images of Will Smith fighting robots.
Now, it’s in our pockets and can write our code, explain our kids’ math homework, and write this newsletter (just kidding).
The question is:
Before things turn to I, Robot…
Should you take advantage of AI to learn some Spanish?
Some claim AI can replace everything… And basically become your private tutor, conversation partner, and comprehensible input-generator.
Others ignore it entirely (“I’m not learning Spanish to talk to robots”).
Like all new technologies, it’s not a cure-all. But it definitely has its uses — even if you have no interest in talking to a machine.
It’s no replacement for real chats with real people.
But if you want to save some time, ease into certain things, and get some feedback… it’s incredible.
It’s like having a patient, knowledgeable, and only occasionally incorrect tutor in your pocket.
There are endless ways to use AI. Here are 3 ways that I find be valuable, depending on your situation.
1. Quick grammar fixes
Imagine this: You’re kicking back on the couch, skimming a Spanish article, and the words “fue” and “era” keep popping up. You haven’t spent much time on that concept, and you’re really not getting the difference.
Do you: A) Spend the next hour diving down a grammar rabbit hole? B) Ask AI for a quick explanation and get back to reading?
If you picked B, bien hecho – you’re working smarter (and preserving your sanity).
Here’s how I’d do it:
1. Spot a confusing grammar point (in this case, ‘fue’ vs ‘era’)
Source: RFI Español
2. Ask AI for a brief explanation
3. Get a rough understanding and move on
You’ll avoid getting overwhelmed by 3,000 word descriptions that aim to cover every scenario. Instead, you’ll work with your brain (not against it) by aiming to understand things gradually, not all at once.
2. Ease into complex material
You know those lists of classics you’re supposed to read? Cien años de soledad, Como agua para chocolate, etc.
Great books… but as a learner, it’s hard not to drown in the sea of unknown words.
Same thing for news, non-fiction, and more.
So what’s the answer? One option is to use AI to summarize and simplify.
It’s like having a Spanish-speaking friend give you the cliff notes.
Try this:
- Pick a Spanish book or article that’s out of your comfort zone
- Ask AI for a summary in simpler Spanish
3. Read the summary, noting key vocabulary and themes
Bonus: Tackle the original text, now with a roadmap in your mind
You’ll be surprised how much more manageable it becomes.
What I like is that it helps you tackle material that relates to your interests, regardless of your level (just prompt it accordingly).
If there are things you don’t understand, just ask it to clarify.
3. Writing feedback
When you’ve worked hard on your Spanish, getting a page full of red marks can be discouraging.
AI can help you get feedback without any of that pressure (the “instant and free” part doesn’t hurt, either).
Sure, it makes mistakes now and then. But that doesn’t discount the value in 9 out of 10 cases.
Here’s how to try this:
- Write your Spanish text (a journal entry, short story, lo que tú quieras)
- Feed it to AI and ask for feedback
3. Review the suggestions, focusing on patterns in your mistakes
4. Rewrite, incorporating what you’ve learned
Over to you
So much of learning a language is dependent on you practicing by listening, reading, speaking and writing.
A teacher (human or otherwise) can only do so much.
And shiny new tools come and go faster than Tik Tok trends… so I understand the skeptics.
But next time you’re stuck on a grammar point, tackling a tough text, or polishing your writing…
Try asking the robots.
Connor
