How to improve your reading comprehension in Spanish?

Improving your Spanish reading comprehension can be a challenge, especially when it comes to a second language. But with patience and practice, you can achieve it without problems. In this article, you will find some practical tips and examples to strengthen your reading skills in Spanish.

You can also read this article in Spanish to practice your skills or try our Spanish level test.

1. Read every day

One of the most important tips is practice. Reading every day, even two or three pages, is essential to improve your reading comprehension in Spanish. Constant practice is key to improving any skill, and reading is no exception.

Dedicate time every day to reading in Spanish, half an hour or an hour is enough. You can start with simple texts and, as you become more comfortable, you can move on to more complex reading. Remember, the key is consistency.

For example, you can start by reading short stories, blog articles or news in Spanish that interest you. Children's stories tend to have clear, easy-to-understand language, so they are the best way to start reading in Spanish.

2. Use multimedia resources

Combining reading with other multimedia resources is another way to improve your skills. Audiobooks or podcasts in Spanish will help you complete your reading skills, especially pronunciation. You can also get used to different accents and speeds of speech by combining these two modalities.

Listen to an audiobook in Spanish on topics of interest to you while reading the text. This will allow you to associate pronunciation with writing and improve your listening comprehension at the same time.

3. Contextualize new words

When you encounter unfamiliar words, don't limit yourself to looking up their meaning in the dictionary. Although its translation may help you understand the word, try to understand its meaning from the context of the sentence or paragraph. This way, you will be able to remember them better and understand the text more fluently, without having to stop every two words because you don't understand what they mean.

For example, if you find the word “efervescente” (effervescent) in a text, observe how it is used and try to understand its meaning from the context. In this case, “efervescente” could refer to something bubbly or energetic.

4. Underline or take notes

Making notes while reading, such as highlighting key information or words you find curious, will also help you expand your vocabulary. In addition, marking certain words or Spanish expressions will help you remember and better understand the content of the text.

You can underline important phrases, write summaries at the end of each paragraph, or ask questions about the material. If you are reading an article about the history of a country, you can underline relevant facts such as dates, names, and events.

5. Participate in a Spanish book club

Joining a book club about the book you are reading will also allow you to share ideas, get different perspectives and strengthen your reading comprehension. Interacting with other students will allow you to improve your vocabulary, find another perspective on the text, and solve your doubts about words or expressions that you don't quite understand.

Communities or book clubs where Spanish books are discussed are your best weapon to advance your Spanish comprehension. Share your opinions and questions about reading, take advantage of the opportunity to learn from others, expand your vocabulary, knowledge and reading comprehension in Spanish.

6. Expand your thematic vocabulary

Focus on specific areas of vocabulary related to your interests or field of study. By reading specialized texts or texts focused on topics you are passionate about, you will learn key words that are relevant to those areas. This will not only improve your reading comprehension but will also help you express yourself more accurately in conversations and academic writing.

For example, if you are interested in technology, look for articles or blogs in Spanish that deal with the latest technology news. You will find specific terms that will expand your vocabulary in that area.

7. Practice active reading

Don't just read passively. Practice active reading by asking questions as you move through the text. Question information, make predictions about what comes next, and reflect on how the content relates to your personal experiences. Active reading not only improves comprehension, but also makes you more aware of the structures and strategies used in the language.

If you are reading an opinion article, ask yourself what arguments the author presents and whether you agree or disagree with them. This approach will allow you to engage more deeply with the text and improve your ability to analyse information.

Combine these tips to create a comprehensive routine that will strengthen your ability to comprehend Spanish texts. Remember that each person has a level and gradually advance in the difficulty of the texts.

Improving reading comprehension in Spanish requires constant practice, so don't get discouraged if you find it difficult at first. With time and dedication, you will see significant improvements. And if you want a totally academic approach, don Quijote's Spanish courses will help you improve your level, reading comprehension and vocabulary in Spanish.