Practice with native speakers
Free Spanish speaking practice with native speakers
Spanish comes alive in conversation. On Halfsies you meet a native Spanish speaker who is learning your language: 30 minutes in Spanish, then 30 minutes helping them with yours. Free, live and by video.
Why a native speaker
Spanish is spoken in more than twenty countries, and it sounds different in Madrid, Mexico City and Buenos Aires. A native speaker brings you the real language — local words, speed and rhythm you won’t find in a textbook. In return you help them with your language.
How a conversation goes
Press “Find a partner” and the site matches you with someone who speaks the language you want and is learning yours. The first half is 30 minutes in one language, the second in the other. You share one timer, and the language switches at the chime. Words you ask about stay in your notebook.
Tips for practising Spanish
Ask where your partner is from
Spanish in Spain and in Latin America differs in vocabulary and pronunciation. Find out which one you’re hearing, and compare how the same thing is said in different countries.
Tú or usted
People of a similar age usually say tú to each other. If in doubt, ask: “¿Nos tuteamos?” — “Shall we use tú?”
Don’t be put off by the speed
Spanish can sound fast. Say “Más despacio, por favor” and your partner will slow down.
Practise the past tenses
Tell them about your weekend: the preterite and the imperfect stick best in real stories.
Common questions
What level of Spanish do I need?
A basic level is enough: ask your partner to slow down and save new words to your notebook. Set your level honestly — your partner sees it on your card.
Is it really free?
Yes. You pay with time: for half the conversation you help your partner with your language.
Do I have to turn on my camera?
No, you can talk by voice only. In the search, say that such partners are fine with you too.
What if nobody is online?
Halfsies has only just opened, so there aren’t many people yet. Sign up and add your languages, and we can notify you when a native speaker comes online. With partners you liked, you can also agree on a time in the calendar.