I have started learn Mandarin this year. My Chinese is limited to few common expression and that is it. I try to study at least 20 min everyday. Also I want to practice my speaking once a week (30 min or 1 hour). But since I don't have basic vocabulary to speak and most of time I don't understand what my tutor says it feels like I am wasting my money on tutors.

Even though I am learning Chinese now, that question can be applied to learning any other language.

So here is the question:

Which is better? Study until I could learn basic expressions and just enough vocabulary and only then start speaking practice OR Learning new words should go hand in hand with speaking (no matter what level I am)?