Learning a new language on your own is an admirable feat. If you have taken the initiative to learn Spanish without formal instruction, it’s essential to know how to express this accomplishment in a culturally appropriate way. In this guide, we will explore the different ways to say “I learned by myself” in Spanish, including both formal and informal ways. While regional variations exist, we will focus on the most widely used phrases in the Spanish-speaking world. Let’s dive in!
Table of Contents
Formal ways:
In formal situations, such as in professional or academic settings, it’s important to use a respectful tone. Here are some phrases you can use to convey that you have learned Spanish on your own:
1. “He aprendido por mí mismo/a”: This phrase translates to “I have learned by myself.” It is a straightforward way to express your accomplishment without sounding too informal. It is a neutral phrase that can be used in various situations.
2. “He adquirido conocimientos de manera autodidacta”: If you want to emphasize that you have acquired knowledge in a self-taught manner, this phrase is a good choice. It directly translates to “I have acquired knowledge in a self-taught way” and is suitable for professional contexts.
Informal ways:
In casual conversations with friends, family, or acquaintances, you may want to use more colloquial phrases to convey that you learned Spanish on your own. Here are some informal options:
1. “Aprendí por mi cuenta”: This phrase translates to “I learned on my own.” It has a friendly and informal tone, making it suitable for conversations with peers or people you are close to.
2. “Me las arreglé solo/a”: If you want to express a sense of independence and self-sufficiency, this phrase is a good choice. It can be translated as “I managed on my own” or “I figured it out on my own.”
Tips and Examples:
Tips for discussing self-learning:
- Be proud: Learning a language by yourself is a significant achievement, so don’t be afraid to celebrate it!
- Use appropriate body language: When discussing your self-learning journey, make sure to use confident body language and maintain eye contact to convey your accomplishment.
- Show humility: While it’s important to be proud, it is equally essential to remain humble. Avoid coming across as boastful, as it may be seen as disrespectful.
- Share your strategies: People may be curious about how you managed to learn Spanish independently. Share your study methods, resources, and any challenges you encountered along the way. This can help inspire and guide others.
Examples:
To illustrate the usage of these phrases, let’s explore a few examples of how you can say “I learned by myself” in different contexts:
- Formal Example: Imagine you are in a job interview, and the interviewer asks about your language skills. You can respond:
“He aprendido por mí mismo/a. Durante los últimos dos años, me he dedicado a estudiar español de manera autónoma utilizando diferentes recursos en línea y libros de gramática.”
Translation: “I have learned by myself. Over the past two years, I have dedicated myself to studying Spanish autonomously, using various online resources and grammar books.”
- Informal Example: Now, let’s imagine you are having a conversation with a friend who is interested in language learning. You can say:
“Aprendí por mi cuenta. Me encantaba el español y comencé a ver películas, escuchar música y a practicar con aplicaciones de aprendizaje. Después de mucho esfuerzo y práctica, logré hablarlo fluidamente.”
Translation: “I learned on my own. I loved Spanish and started watching movies, listening to music, and practicing with learning apps. After much effort and practice, I managed to speak it fluently.”
Remember, regardless of the phrases or context you choose, the ability to express that you have learned Spanish by yourself showcases your dedication and hard work. ¡Felicidades!
In summary, learning a language independently is a significant accomplishment, and being able to express it appropriately in Spanish is essential. In formal situations, phrases like “He aprendido por mí mismo/a” or “He adquirido conocimientos de manera autodidacta” can be used. In informal conversations, phrases like “Aprendí por mi cuenta” or “Me las arreglé solo/a” are suitable. Always remember to be proud, humble, and share your strategies to inspire others. Now go ahead and showcase your self-taught Spanish skills with confidence!
