If you’d like to easily type Spanish accents, you have a few options. The first is adding the Spanish keyboard configuration on your computer. Depending on your version of MacOS or Windows, the method for doing this will vary, but it’s generally easy to navigate to under either System Preferences (on a Mac) or under the Control Panel (in Windows). There, you’ll be able to choose “regional,” “language,” or “international” options. Once set, you can switch between the configurations; however, you will need to get used to new key positions, as they’re slightly different than you’re used to on an English keyboard. Another option is to memorize keyboard shortcuts like, in Windows, ctrl+’ then hitting “a” to make the á or ctrl+alt+shift+? To make the ¿. On a Mac, that same ¿ can be made by holding alt + ctrl + ⇧ shift while pressing the ?. You can also use this shortcut: alt (option) + shift + ? = ¿
For the truly committed, you can buy a devoted Spanish keyboard. And for those who only need to use accents occasionally, you can always just cut and paste the characters: á, é, í, ó, ú, ü, ñ, Á, É, Í, Ñ, Ó, Ú, Ü, ¡, ¿.
Rosetta Stone’s Dynamic Immersion® methodology teaches you the language, not just the words or accent keystrokes. What makes it effective is that we prepare you to use your new language in your everyday life. So, it’s not just about the features, but what you’re able to do because of them. That way, you’ll be ready to handle any situation with ease and confidence.
Learn Spanish Words and Phrases
Many people come to the decision to learn Spanish because they so frequently encounter the language in their everyday life. Spanish is spoken throughout the U.S., is commonly heard in movies, TV, and music, and is featured in restaurant fare. Others decide to learn the language because they have intentions to volunteer, vacation, or do business in any one of the 20 countries around the world that has made Spanish its official language. So whatever your reason for learning Spanish may be, you can get off to a great start by first learning how to pronounce very basic and commonly used Spanish words and phrases. This is a key step in understanding how the language is used in everyday conversations and situations by 437 million Spanish speakers worldwide.
Sometimes, new language learners get sidetracked by trying to memorize long lists of new vocabulary words and phrases. Then, they become frustrated when they find themselves without the ability to understand or speak in everyday Spanish conversations. That’s why language learning experts advise that you learn to understand and pronounce commonly used Spanish words and short phrases. This proven approach to language learning will help you to develop the ability to comfortably engage in conversation with locals.
It’s worth pointing out that Spanish does have some characteristics that can make proper pronunciation of some words a bit challenging. As one example, the letter r is pronounced differently and takes some practice for most new learners. This distinct sound is formed by tapping the tip of the tongue on the roof of the mouth, about a third of the way back in the mouth. Some Spanish language experts counsel new learners to practice making the “tt” sound, as it sounds in the English word butter.
Rosetta Stone helps you dial in your pronunciation with our TruAccent™ speech engine. TruAccent compares your voice to native and non-native speakers—in real-time—so you get the feedback you need for the most accurate pronunciation. It’s also adjustable, which allows you to tweak your accent as needed. TruAccent is a powerful tool for helping you learn and speak the Spanish language.
After learning basic words, short phrases, and their proper pronunciation, you will find that you’re ready to move onto learning longer phrases that make up so much of everyday, real-world Spanish conversation. Rosetta Stone’s brief and digestible, 10-minute lessons are designed to help you learn in just this way––first teaching the basics, then moving onto longer phrases, and always emphasizing proper pronunciation. Rosetta Stone language lessons help you acquire the skills you need to comfortably understand and confidently speak in Spanish.
Try Our Award-Winning App
Surround yourself with Spanish whenever, wherever with the Rosetta Stone app .
Download a unit and knock it out on the train or a flight. Select a 5-10 minute lesson and sneak it in while you wait in line or for your ride to show up. And explore dynamic features, like Seek and Speak, where you can point at an object in the real world and get a translation .
The best part? You don’t have to choose between app or desktop. Both come with your subscription and sync, so you can switch between devices seamlessly.
