solo hablo un poco de español
/solo ablo un poko de espaɲol/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I only speak a little bit of spanish" is translated into Spanish as solo hablo un poco de español.
This phrase is used to inform others that you have a very basic or limited command of the Spanish language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of solo (only), hablo (I speak), un poco de (a little bit of) and español (Spanish).
Which one should you use?
If you remove solo from the beginning, the phrase becomes hablo un poco de español. While the original phrase means "I only speak a little Spanish," the version without solo (I speak a little Spanish) sounds slightly more positive or confident.
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb hablo is the first-person singular present indicative form of hablar (to speak).
Did you know?
- The word español likely comes from a Punic word meaning 'coast of hyraxes'.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, hablo solo un poco de español. ¿Puede hablar inglés?Excuse me, I only speak a little bit of Spanish. Can you speak English?
- ¡Hola! Hablo poquito español, pero intentaré comunicarme contigo de todas formas.Hi! I speak a little Spanish, but I will try to communicate with you anyhow.
- Lo siento, solo hablo un poco de español.I am sorry, I only speak a little bit of Spanish.
- No entiendo todo, solo hablo un poco de español.I don't understand everything, I only speak a little bit of Spanish.
- Es difícil para mí porque solo hablo un poco de español.It is difficult for me because I only speak a little bit of Spanish.
Example conversation
A tourist is asking for directions from a local woman.
- Javier¿Dónde está la estación de tren, por favor?Where is the train station, please?
- MaríaEstá cerca de aquí, ¿entiende?It is near here, do you understand?
- JavierPerdone, solo hablo un poco de español.Excuse me, I only speak a little bit of Spanish.
- MaríaNo hay problema, lo explicaré más despacio.No problem, I will explain it more slowly.
