The best way to learn Spanish is to spend a lot of time listening to people who are speaking the language. As you listen, there are two things you can do to make sure you're absorbing the Spanish words and phrases. One, if you're listening to an audio recording of a person who is speaking Spanish have a written script with its translation in front of you. Second, as you progress in your knowledge of Spanish by way of audio tapes, take an opportunity to listen to a conversation between native Spanish speakers.

Listening to audio in Spanish is an excellent way to get a feel of how the language flows. Also, reading a written translation as the person speaks will assist you in learning the meanings of words you hear over and over again. Both hearing and seeing the word in Spanish will serve to reinforce your knowledge. Be aware that at first the unfamiliar words may sound as if they are all running together. However, with repeated listening sessions the individual Spanish words will begin to travel more distinctly to your ear. As an additional advantage, you can stop the audio device and rewind it if you want to hear a particular word pronounced again. 

Listening to a group of native Spanish speakers can be very beneficial to a student who is learning the language. The Spanish lessons will begin to pay off as you recognize a word here and there. Plus, there are mannerisms and facial gestures used by a speaker that can reveal clues as to what the person is talking about. Furthermore, if the people in the group know you are learning Spanish perhaps they will be open to answering questions you have about the gist of the conversation.

When considering the best way to learn Spanish there is no substitute for diving right in and learning it from the people who use Spanish in everyday life.