no hablo inglés
/ˌno ˌablo inˈɡles/
The Spanish phrase for "speak no english" is no hablo inglés.
The phrase no hablo inglés is used to express that you do not speak English.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express negation, the phrase uses the negative particle no placed directly before the conjugated verb hablo.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˌno ˌablo inˈɡles/
What mistakes should you avoid?
When saying no hablo inglés, do not pronounce the 'h' in hablo. It should be completely silent.
Did you know?
- The Spanish word inglés was borrowed from the Old French word angleis, which itself came from the Old English Englisc.
- The word hablo comes from the verb hablar, which in some contexts can mean 'to chat' or 'to gossip' rather than just the formal act of speaking a language.
- While no hablo inglés is grammatically correct, speakers in some regions might say no hablo mucho inglés to signal they have basic skills and are open to trying to communicate.
Examples in context
- No hablo inglés, pero estoy aquí para aprender y disfrutar de su hermoso país.I don't speak English, but I'm here to learn and enjoy your beautiful country.
- Perdón, pero no hablo inglés.Excuse me, but I speak no english.
Example conversation
A tourist tries to ask for directions in a city.
- SofíaHello! Can you help me find the museum?Hello! Can you help me find the museum?
- AlejandroLo siento, no hablo inglés.I'm sorry, I don't speak English.
- SofíaOh, sorry. ¿Habla usted español?Oh, sorry. Do you speak Spanish?
- AlejandroSí, hablo español. ¿En qué puedo ayudarle?Yes, I speak Spanish. How can I help you?
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry no hablo inglés, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inglés, no, CC BY-SA 4.0.
