Getting by
How to say “I don't speak Spanish” in Spanish
“No hablo español” tells people you don't speak Spanish. If you know a little, “hablo un poco de español” (I speak a little Spanish) is friendlier and more accurate, and it invites people to help.
In Spanish
No hablo español
I don't speak Spanish
Say it: noh AH-bloh ehs-pah-NYOHL
Other ways to say “I don't speak Spanish”
-
Hablo un poco de español
I speak a little Spanish
Friendly and truthful for beginners.
-
Estoy aprendiendo español
I'm learning Spanish
Explains why you are slow.
-
No hablo mucho español
I don't speak much Spanish
Softer than “no hablo español”.
-
Hablo inglés
I speak English
To say which language you do speak.
Example sentences
-
Lo siento, no hablo español.
I'm sorry, I don't speak Spanish.
-
Hablo un poco de español, pero no mucho.
I speak a little Spanish, but not much.
-
No hablo español, pero estoy aprendiendo.
I don't speak Spanish, but I'm learning.
Good to know
- Languages after “hablar” take no article: “hablo español”, not “hablo el español”.
- “No hablo” is also how you say what you cannot do in other languages: “no hablo chino”.
Questions about “I don't speak Spanish” in Spanish
How do you say “I don't speak Spanish” in Spanish?
“I don't speak Spanish” in Spanish is “No hablo español” (I don't speak Spanish). It is pronounced noh AH-bloh ehs-pah-NYOHL. You can also say “Hablo un poco de español”, “Estoy aprendiendo español”, “No hablo mucho español”.
How do you pronounce “No hablo español”?
“No hablo español” sounds like noh AH-bloh ehs-pah-NYOHL. The capital letters mark the stressed syllable. Tap the speaker on this page to hear it.
What are other ways to say “I don't speak Spanish” in Spanish?
“Hablo un poco de español” (I speak a little Spanish): friendly and truthful for beginners. “Estoy aprendiendo español” (I'm learning Spanish): explains why you are slow. “No hablo mucho español” (I don't speak much Spanish): softer than “no hablo español”. “Hablo inglés” (I speak English): to say which language you do speak.
Practise it, don't just read it.
Play short games with real Spanish sentences and audio, free on the web and in the Pinglingo app.