How Do You Say “I Don't Speak Spanish” in Spanish?

Plus, more phrases to use if you know a little bit of Spanish

Co-authored by Alejandra Alfonzo and Aly Rusciano

Last Updated: June 6, 2025 Fact Checked

Need to let a Spanish speaker know you don’t speak Spanish yourself? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’ll teach you the essential Spanish phrases you can use to let someone know that you’re running into a language barrier. With phrases like “No hablo español” (“I don’t speak Spanish”) and “¿Puedes hablar en inglés?” (“Do you speak English?”), you’ll be able to communicate that you only speak English quickly.

“I Don’t Speak Spanish” Quick Phrases

“No hablo español.” (“I don’t speak Spanish.”)
“Hablo un poquito de español.” (“I speak a little Spanish.”)
“¿Puedes hablar en inglés?” (“Do you speak English?”)
“¿Hay alguien aquí que hable inglés?” (“Does someone here speak English?”)

1

“No hablo español.”

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This is the direct translation of “I don’t speak Spanish.” In many Spanish-speaking countries, if you tell someone in a touristy area that you don’t speak Spanish, they might immediately begin speaking to you in English. Keep this sentence in your back pocket—it’s likely to be pretty useful.^{[1]
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- Pronounce this sentence as: “no AHB-low es-pahn-YOL”
- Try adding the Spanish word for “sorry,” “disculpe” (dees-COOL-pay), at the beginning or end of this sentence in order to sound more polite.
- Instead of “disculpe,” you can also use “lo siento” (lo SEE-ehn-to) or “perdón” (per-DOAN), which also translate to “sorry.”

2

“Hablo un poquito de español.”

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Say “I speak a little Spanish” if you know a few words. It’s worth letting someone know if you can understand a little bit of Spanish, since this can definitely help make communication easier. They may be able to speak slower or with a simpler vocabulary in order to communicate with you.^{[2]
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- Pronounce this sentence as: “AB-low oon po-KEY-toh day es-pahn-YOL”
- If you feel a little more confident in your skills, say, “Hablo un poquito de español, ¿puedes hablar más despacio?” (AB-low oon po-KEY-to day es-pahn-YOL, poo-EH-day ahb-lLAR mas des-PAH-see-oh). This means, “I speak a little Spanish. Can you speak slower?”

3

“No entiendo.”

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This phrase literally translates to “I don’t understand.” As a result, it’s a good way to let someone know that there’s a language barrier. If someone is trying to explain something to you in Spanish and you’re doing you’re best to keep up, tell them this when things get a little too complicated.^{[3]
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- Pronounce this phrase as: “no en-tee-EN-do.”

4

“¿Puedes hablar en inglés?”

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Use this question to ask, “Do you speak English?” Depending on what country or region you’re in, you may encounter many native Spanish speakers who have a good command of English as well. Ask this question to see if they’d be willing to switch to English.^{[4]
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- Pronounce this question as: “poo-EH-dess ahb-LAR en eeng-LAYS”
- If you’re speaking with someone older than you or someone in a position of authority, try using the formal variation of this question instead: “¿Puede hablar en inglés?” (“poo-EH-day ahb-LAR en eeng-LAYS.”)
- It’s a bit more polite to introduce this question by first explaining that you don’t speak Spanish. For example: “Disculpe, no hablo español. ¿Puedes hablar en inglés?”
EXPERT TIP

Alejandra Alfonzo
Spanish Language Instructor
Alejandra Alfonzo is a Language Instructor based in Roseland, New Jersey. She runs her own language tutoring business, Spanish Con Ale. She teaches both English and Spanish, offering online private and group classes tailored to meet her clients' personal and professional goals while making the learning experience fun. Alejandra has been a language teacher since 2011 and is committed to exploring the challenges and rewards that come with learning a new language with her students. Spanish Con Ale offers personalized learning sessions, private lesson packages, and Cafecito Con Ale, a language exchange membership where members have the opportunity to meet and socialize with others while improving their language skills. Alejandra is a certified spanish teacher, holds a Education Master's in teaching English as a Foreign Language from University of Carabobo, and received a BA in Modern Languages from Arturo Michelena University and a certificate in Teaching Spanish as a Foreign Language.

Alejandra Alfonzo
Spanish Language Instructor

No one is perfect when first learning a new language. If you’re just learning how to speak Spanish, don’t try to be a perfectionist. Learning a language is a process that takes time. Aim for consistency, not perfection.

5

“¿Hay alguien aquí que hable inglés?”

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This question means, “Is there someone here who speaks English?” If you need help with something and don’t feel confident that your Spanish skills are up to the task, ask this question. The person you’re speaking with may have someone in mind who can help you.^{[5]
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- Pronounce this question as: “AY AL-gee-en ah-KEY kay AH-blah eeng-LAYS”

6

“¿Podemos usar el traductor del móvil?”

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This question means, “Can we use a smartphone translator?” With modern technology, it’s much easier to communicate with people who don’t share the same language as you. Pull up Google Translate or another smartphone translator, and ask the person you’re speaking with if they’d be willing to talk to you through the device.^{[6]
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- Pronounce this question as: “po-DAY-mos OOS-ar el tra-DOOK-tor del MO-veel”
- Many of these apps allow you to speak directly into your phone—no typing required! You can translate the Spanish speaker’s words as they say them.