How 1-on-1 Spanish lessons helped Brad from San Francisco master Spanish grammar 

Brad had always been interested in learning Spanish, but his efforts to understand the language were often met with frustration.

While he had picked up a few phrases over the years, the intricacies of the language, especially verb conjugations and sentence structure, were a constant challenge.

He wasn’t just looking to speak the language; he wanted to connect on a deeper level with Spanish-speaking cultures, and to do so, he needed to gain a stronger grasp of Spanish grammar and vocabulary.

Why Brad started Spanish lessons

Despite his best efforts with self-study and using language CDs in his car, Brad realized he needed more personalized guidance. “The beginner lessons were simple, but when I hit the intermediate level, things just didn’t make sense anymore,” he admitted.

His goal shifted from just speaking Spanish to understanding the underlying structure of the language so that he could appreciate Spanish literature, music, and traditions more fully.

Brad was eager to overcome his grammar confusion and was determined to learn the language in a way that felt meaningful and authentic. Then he found Wiingy 1-on-1 personalized Spanish lessons with Maria Simunic, who tailored each lesson to his specific needs and learning style.

Real class insight, what Brad worked on with Maria Simunic

Here are some highlights from Brad’s lessons with his tutor, Maria Simunic:

Verb conjugation

Brad worked on understanding the verb “ser” and its different forms. Maria explained that “ser” is used for permanent states, such as nationality or profession, while “estar” is used for temporary states, like emotions or locations.  

“You are always going to use ‘ser’ for who you are and where you’re from, but ‘estar’ is for feelings or locations,” Maria clarified.

Subject pronouns

A major breakthrough occurred when Brad learned about the importance of subject pronouns in Spanish. Maria emphasized that Spanish speakers often omit subject pronouns because the verb endings indicate the subject.  

“In Spanish, you don’t need to say ‘I am’ or ‘you are’ all the time; the verb endings tell you who’s talking,” said Maria.  

“Oh, I see! So, in Spanish, we don’t repeat the subject unless we want to emphasize it?” Brad replied, finally grasping the idea.

Cognates and adjectives

Maria introduced Brad to cognates – words that are similar in both English and Spanish. Brad enjoyed this as it allowed him to expand his vocabulary quickly.  

“It’s funny, some words are almost identical to English,” Brad said while practicing adjectives like “inteligente” (intelligent) and “optimista” (optimistic). 

Pronunciation

As an English speaker, Brad worked on the nuances of Spanish pronunciation. Maria focused on correcting small mistakes like overemphasizing the “O” sound, which can differ from its English counterpart.  

“Remember, ‘O’ in Spanish is short, not drawn out,” Maria reminded him.

The outcome, Brad’s transformation or achievement

By the end of his lessons, Brad had made significant progress. He became more confident in conjugating verbs and understanding sentence structures. His ability to form clear sentences and communicate in Spanish improved, especially in casual conversations.  

“I’m getting better at reading and understanding Spanish, and soon, I’ll start cutting out the English and try to use mostly Spanish,” Brad said, reflecting on his journey.  

He realized that learning Spanish was not just about memorizing vocabulary but about understanding how the language works. Brad now feels more comfortable with sentence structure and grammar and is excited about the path ahead.

What you can learn from Brad’s journey

• Progress is possible at any level, even if you’ve hit a plateau with self-study.  
• Understanding the nuances of verb conjugations and subject pronouns is key to mastering Spanish.  
• Personalized 1-on-1 coaching allows you to move at your own pace and focus on areas that need the most attention.  
• Learning Spanish is not just about memorization; it’s about learning how to think in the language and communicate naturally.

Try it yourself, book a free trial

If you’re finding it difficult to speak Spanish or feel like you’re stuck in your language-learning journey, take the first step today by booking a free trial lesson with one of our expert tutors. Explore our wide range of Spanish tutors across the East Bay, including:

• Spanish tutors in Oakland, CA
• Spanish tutor in Salinas, CA
• Spanish tutor near me in Lancaster, CA

At Wiingy, we connect you with native-speaking Spanish tutors who provide personalized lessons to help you improve your skills.

What You’ll Get:

• A tailored learning plan to suit your personal goals, whether it’s for travel, career, or everyday conversations.
• Instant feedback from experienced tutors to help you navigate challenges and gain confidence.
• 1-on-1 lessons designed to match your pace, so you can make real progress.

Start your Spanish learning journey with us today and see how personalized, 1-on-1 lessons can help you unlock your full potential.

Meet the tutor, Maria Simunic

Maria Simunic is a skilled Spanish tutor with over 7 years of experience helping students of all ages and proficiency levels. She specializes in personalized lessons that cater to individual learning needs, focusing on real-life conversations, grammar, vocabulary, and cultural immersion.

Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your fluency, Maria’s engaging approach makes Spanish learning both enjoyable and effective.

See more transformation stories

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Footnote, Student’s name has been changed for privacy.