Do you need to translate like everything-everything? Or just sometimes? What's the different between the phrases/words that you do need to translate vs those you don't? In my case, I find that whenever I need to translate, it's actually because I am not that familar with the phrase/word/structure yet. For example; phrases like "en serio?" "que tiene que ver con esto?" "lo que pasa es.." are very easy for me and don't need translation. But today when I wanted to say "He fell for it", I had no idea how, so I ended up just translating it word for word hoping it made sense. It was mainly due to the lack of input. In this case, I haven't had enough exposure(or non yet) to that specific structure/phrase, so I couldn't produce it. One thing that I like to do is replay movies/shows that I've watched and liked in the background when I am cleaning, cooking, drawing, taking a bath etc. By doing that, I am able to absorb many phrases naturally without even really thinking about it and just fill my brain with my target language without the crutch of my native language. If you ask me, I think exposure/input of the target language is key. Hope this helps!

When you do lots of language exchanges, it helps. Try to find someone with a level of zero in English. I did this with Arabic and it was super fun. Beginners are amazing because they force you into the situation. My Portuguese is very advanced, so it doesn’t help. The most successful tip is to surround yourself with the language. As I write this, I have a video about Mina Gerais playing in my ear. I am thinking in two languages at this very moment. My phone is full of Arabic, Portuguese and Spanish music. If you can make some local friends and “teach” them English, you will learn a lot. Some people really do learn English, so prepare for it. Try to make friends that don’t speak any English at all.

I think it's just a matter of practice and time. It happens very often but there are many words and phrases that only make sense in the language you are learning, in this case Spanish. It was helpful for me to watch movies, TV and read in the language I am learning to change my way of thinking in my native language.

Dear Marquee! It's a very common problem for learners worldwide. It will go away as your confidence grows. Some tips would be 1 Use monolingual dictionaries (ones that explain words in English and do not translate them) 2 Have lots of conversation practice 3 Watch your favourite movies in English instead of your mother tongue. This way you will know what it is about and it will make it easier to understand what's going on. Good luck!

The short answer is practice! You have to force yourself to think in your target language, focus and not allow your mind to resort to the easy dominant language. At first this will be slow, boring, hard etc but it'll get easier and easier with time. Another tip I have is to switch your life to your target language! Whatever you do in your dominant language start doing it in your target language: Read your news in your target language, watch your favorite topics in it instead etc. Immersion works.