Preply or italki? We compared both so you don't have to

Finding the right tools can speed up your language learning more than any textbook.

This week, we compare two of the biggest online tutoring platforms, explore a book that reveals the bizarre origins behind everyday English phrases, and recommend a Peruvian cumbia track that makes Spanish vocabulary stick without feeling like study

You've decided to learn with a tutor online. Great choice! It's one of the fastest ways to improve.

Now comes the hard part: Preply or italki? They're the two biggest names in online language tutoring, and on the surface they look almost the same.

We compared both so you don't have to

You've probably said 'break a leg' or 'bite the bullet' hundreds of times without thinking twice. But where do these phrases actually come from?

Some of the origins are fascinating. Others are genuinely strange. And a few might make you think twice before saying them again.

Here is a book that we’d recommend for idioms, phrases, sayings and facts:

If you're learning Spanish, Peruvian cumbia is a great way to hear how the language sounds in everyday emotional contexts.

Tu Hipocresía' by Grupo 5 is a good place to start. The lyrics deal with betrayal and moving on, using direct, repetitive phrases like 'nada quiero de ti' (I want nothing from you) and 'vete de aquí' (get out of here).

That repetition is what makes it useful for learners. The same structures come back again and again, helping vocabulary stick naturally. The tempo is moderate enough to follow along, and the emotional delivery makes it easier to connect pronunciation with meaning.

Try listening while reading the lyrics: you'll pick up common verbs like 'jurar' (to swear), 'dejar' (to leave), and 'lastimar' (to hurt) without it feeling like study

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