How to Learn Spanish with AI
As someone who is both passionate about language learning and fascinated by the potential of artificial intelligence, I've spent countless hours exploring tools that let me speak Spanish with AI. And it turns out, some are considerably better than others.
AI is going to change the way we learn languages. But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming. In this article, I'll share the 3 tools I recommend most for Spanish conversation practice with AI. I'll get straight to the point, highlighting the pros, cons, and pricing.
The Best Tools for AI Spanish Conversation Practice
#1: Langua
Best for: Serious Spanish Learners
Langua is a powerful AI platform designed for learners who want to take their Spanish conversation skills to the next level, whilst also having the option to learn through listening, reading and flashcards.
Pros:
- Offers a wide range of conversation options: practical roleplays, controversial debates, discuss your interests, and more.
- Utilizes the most advanced voice technology with native accents. You'll feel like you're talking with a human. It takes some getting used to!
- Provides instant corrections and you can also see explanations for the corrections given. This is super important as it gives you a deeper understanding of your mistakes.
- You can speak in your native language when stuck, and the AI will usually still understand you (useful for A1-A2 Spanish learners)
- Also offers podcasts and videos with interactive transcripts generated by AI. These highlight each word as it's spoken, making the content more understandable. Then you can translate words and sentences in 1 click and learn them via spaced repetition flashcards. You can even generate AI stories that incorporate your saved words.
Cons:
- No mobile app (yet). That said, it's easy to use on mobile, and you can easily add it as a widget on your mobile so it can be accessed like an app.
- Occasional missed corrections due to AI limitations
- Currently 'only' available in 9 languages (more are being added every month, so this may have changed by the time you read this). As of April 2024, the available languages are Spanish, French, English, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Swedish and Romanian.
Pricing: $10-$25/month (depending on your location and subscription type). Also has a free plan, which offers some of the comprehensible input features but no AI conversation practice.
You can create a free account on Langua and explore it here.
#2 ChatGPT
Best for: Folks Who Want to Learn for Free
You've probably heard of ChatGPT as it's the most well-known AI tool. While it's an incredible technology that can be adapted to be a Spanish speaking AI, it's not specifically designed for language learning. I tested ChatGPT's capabilities for Spanish practice extensively, and while it has its merits, there are many limitations.
Pros:
- Free version available
- You can ask the AI to help you practice conversation, or request grammar corrections
Cons:
- The free version limits you to the older, less intelligent models.
- It is not specifically designed for language learning. I had to keep asking the AI to correct me, it's not automatic. And there's no button to easily get translations.
- The accents have an American twang - they do not sound native.
- There are no suggested chat options for learning Spanish. I had to come up with all the ideas and the AI kept recommending the same topics - food and music. It gets repetitive quickly.
- No option to read as you listen (unlike Langua). If you turn speaking mode on, you cannot see the text. This makes it harder to follow.
Pricing: $20/month for the paid version, free (limited) version available.
#3: Univerbal
Best for: Folks Who Want a Structured and Gamified App
Univerbal is a relatively new startup from Switzerland. It was founded in 2023 (rebranded from 'Quazel').
Pros:
- Mobile app for easy access
- Variety of role-plays covering many scenarios
- Structured by levels for a guided learning experience
Cons:
- Buggy transcription - I found it often stopped recording me mid-sentence
- Compared to Langua, the voices are more robotic and less human-like
- I felt a little too restricted - if you want to have flexible discussions about whatever interests you, it may not be the best fit.
Pricing: $20/month
Common Questions Related to Learning Spanish with AI:
How can AI be used effectively for language learning?
AI can be used for various aspects of language learning, such as conversation practice, grammar corrections, and vocabulary acquisition. In my experience, AI tools like Langua and ChatGPT have been invaluable for improving my Spanish speaking skills through interactive conversations and instant feedback.
What are the limitations of speaking Spanish with AI?
While AI has made significant advancements in language learning, it still has limitations. AI may not always catch every grammatical error or provide the same level of nuance and context as a human tutor. I've encountered instances where the AI missed corrections or provided generic responses. It's important to keep in mind that AI is a tool to supplement your learning, not a complete replacement for human interaction.
If I can learn Spanish with AI, do I no longer need a tutor?
The short answer is no, speaking Spanish with AI alone is not the best strategy. The longer answer... if you can afford a tutor, I recommend combining it with AI conversation practice in Spanish. A human tutor offers warmth, accountability, and encouragement that AI cannot replicate. They can also better understand the nuances of the language and provide personalized feedback. AI, on the other hand, is an excellent tool for quick practice sessions whenever you have a moment free. It also gives you exposure to a variety of conversation scenarios. The combination of both can lead to a well-rounded and effective Spanish learning experience. If you're interested in getting a tutor, you can find talented folks on our platform, LanguaTalk. We accept the top 5% of applications, ensuring high standards versus other sites.
Curious whether you can learn to speak Spanish using AI? I encourage you to check out Langua here and create a free account.
