A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don t understand spanish" in Spanish
A clear and polite way to say you don't understand Spanish when learning the language.
No entiendo español.
noh en-tee-EN-doh es-pah-NYOLneutral
Spanish TTS · 0:01
Use this when someone is speaking Spanish to you and you can't follow along. It's a direct way to signal that you need them to slow down, repeat, or switch to a language you understand.
Alternatives
- No comprendo español.Slightly more formal, but also very common.
- No hablo español.Use this if you don't speak Spanish at all, rather than just not understanding a specific conversation.
Ways to get it wrong
Confusing 'entender' and 'entrar'
'Entrar' means 'to enter,' so 'No entro español' would mean 'I don't enter Spanish,' which makes no sense.
Pronouncing 'español' like 'es-PAN-yol'
The 'ñ' sound is like the 'ny' in 'canyon.' Make sure to get that distinct sound.
A small cultural note
It's generally appreciated when learners try to communicate their limitations politely. This phrase achieves that without being overly apologetic.
Frequently asked
how to say i dont speak spanish in spanish
You can say 'No hablo español.' This indicates you don't speak the language at all.
is no entiendo español polite
Yes, 'No entiendo español' is a standard and polite way to express a lack of understanding in Spanish.
what if they speak too fast in spanish
You can say 'Más despacio, por favor' (Slower, please) after 'No entiendo español.' This directly asks them to adjust their speed.
What should you say in Spanish if you don't understand?
You can say "No entiendo" which means "I don't understand." If you want to be more specific, you can say "No entiendo español" to mean "I don't understand Spanish."
How to say you don't understand in Spanish?
The most common way to say you don't understand in Spanish is "No entiendo." You can also say "No comprendo."
I don't understand the question in Spanish?
To say you don't understand the question in Spanish, you can say "No entiendo la pregunta."
I don't understand what you're saying in Spanish?
You can say "No entiendo lo que dices" to express that you don't understand what someone is saying.
