I don't speak spanish
Use this to say "I speak very little Spanish." It's softer and more encouraging than a flat "no."
A friendly, common variation of the above: "I only speak a little bit." The diminutive '-ito' is very common in Latin America.
This means "I don't understand." It's essential for when you're lost in a specific conversation, even if you speak some Spanish.
A direct follow-up question: "Do you speak English?" Use this after stating you don't speak Spanish.
Excuse me, I don't speak Spanish. Do you speak English?
Hello, I only speak a little bit. Can you speak more slowly, please?
I'm sorry, I don't understand. I speak very little Spanish.
—Where are you from? —Sorry, I don't speak Spanish.
"No hablo español" is the universal and standard phrase used everywhere. It is perfectly understood from Mexico to Argentina.
While "No hablo español" is perfectly common, you will also frequently hear "No hablo castellano" (noh AH-bloh kass-tey-YAH-noh). In Spain, 'castellano' (Castilian) is often used to refer to the Spanish language.
The phrase is the same, "No hablo español," but you may also hear "castellano." The pronunciation of 'castellano' will sound different here, more like "kass-teh-SHAH-noh," due to the regional 'sh' sound for 'll' and 'y'.
Saying "No hablar español". — 'Hablar' is the infinitive form of the verb, meaning 'to speak'. You need to conjugate it for 'I', which is 'hablo'. Always use 'No hablo'.
Pronouncing 'español' as 'es-pan-ol'. — The 'ñ' is a unique letter in Spanish, not just an 'n'. It has a 'ny' sound, like in the word 'canyon'. The correct pronunciation is 'ess-pah-NYOHL'.
Saying "Yo no hablo español". — While grammatically correct, including 'Yo' (I) is unnecessary and less common. The verb ending '-o' in 'hablo' already tells the listener that 'I' am the one speaking. Simply saying 'No hablo español' is more natural.
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