Are you learning Spanish or planning a trip to a Spanish-speaking country? One of the first questions that pop up is: how do you say English in Spanish. Whether you want to ask someone if they speak English, explain that you know the language, or talk about English people, this guide will give you everything you need.
This post is designed for travelers, students, and language enthusiasts who want to communicate confidently in Spanish. You’ll get clear translations, pronunciation tips, example sentences, and common mistakes to avoid. By the end, you’ll not only know the word inglés but also how to use it naturally in conversation.
What Does English Mean in Spanish?
The Spanish word for English (the language) is:
Inglés ✅
- Pronunciation: [in-GLES]
- Gender: Masculine (el inglés)
For example:
- I speak English. → Hablo inglés.
- English is fun to learn. → El inglés es divertido de aprender.
Tip: Always remember that inglés refers to the language, not the people.
Inglés vs. Ingleses: When Talking About People
If you want to talk about English people, the word changes:
- Singular male: inglés → He is English. → Él es inglés.
- Singular female: inglesa → She is English. → Ella es inglesa.
- Plural male/mixed: ingleses → The English are friendly. → Los ingleses son amables.
- Plural female: inglesas → The English women are polite. → Las inglesas son educadas.
Understanding this distinction is important for accurate communication.
How to Ask “Do You Speak English?” in Spanish
When traveling, this is probably the most useful phrase:
¿Hablas inglés? → Do you speak English?
Other formal or polite alternatives:
- ¿Usted habla inglés? → Do you speak English? (formal)
- ¿Puede hablar inglés? → Can you speak English?
Pro Tip: Using polite forms like usted is appreciated in professional or older settings.
Common Phrases Using Inglés
Here are essential phrases for everyday situations:
| English Phrase | Spanish Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| I speak English | Hablo inglés | A-blo in-GLES |
| I don’t speak English | No hablo inglés | No A-blo in-GLES |
| Do you speak English? | ¿Hablas inglés? | A-blas in-GLES? |
| Can you speak English? | ¿Puede hablar inglés? | PWE-de a-BLAR in-GLES? |
| English class | Clase de inglés | CLA-se de in-GLES |
| I want to learn English | Quiero aprender inglés | KYE-ro ap-ren-DER in-GLES |
| English teacher | Profesor(a) de inglés | Pro-fe-SOR / Pro-fe-SO-ra de in-GLES |
| English words | Palabras en inglés | Pa-LA-bras en in-GLES |
How to Talk About Languages in Spanish
Knowing inglés opens the door to talking about other languages. Here are some useful terms:
| English | Spanish | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Español | es-pa-NYOL |
| French | Francés | fran-SES |
| German | Alemán | a-le-MAN |
| Italian | Italiano | i-ta-LYA-no |
| To speak | Hablar | a-BLAR |
| Language | Idioma / Lengua | i-DI-o-ma / LEN-gwa |
| I understand | Entiendo | en-TYEN-do |
| I don’t understand | No entiendo | no en-TYEN-do |
Tip: Combine these with hablar to ask about someone’s language ability: ¿Hablas francés? → Do you speak French?
Tips for Pronouncing Inglés Correctly
- Stress on the second syllable: in-GLES, not IN-gles.
- Soft “g” sound: Similar to the English “g” in “get,” not like “j.”
- Practice in sentences: Say Hablo inglés todos los días daily to reinforce.
How to Talk About English People
When referring to people from England:
- Singular male: inglés → He is English → Él es inglés.
- Singular female: inglesa → She is English → Ella es inglesa.
- Plural: ingleses/inglesas → The English are friendly → Los ingleses son amables.
Cultural Tip: In Spain and Latin America, “ingleses” is understood as people from England, not just English-speaking people.
How to Ask About Learning English
If you want to express your interest in learning English, try these phrases:
- Quiero aprender inglés → I want to learn English.
- Estoy aprendiendo inglés → I am learning English.
- Necesito practicar inglés → I need to practice English.
Tip: Pair these phrases with local language schools or online tutors for practical use.
Common Mistakes Learners Make
- Confusing inglés (language) with ingleses/inglesas (people).
- Forgetting formal usted in polite conversation.
- Mispronouncing the “g” in inglés.
Fun Facts About Inglés
- Spanish speakers often capitalize Inglés when referring to the language in writing.
- In Latin America, English is often the first foreign language taught in schools.
- Many Spanish speakers can understand basic English words due to media exposure.
FAQs
1. How do you say “I don’t speak English” in Spanish?
- No hablo inglés.
2. How do you ask “Can you speak English?” politely?
- ¿Puede hablar inglés?
3. How do you say “English class” in Spanish?
- Clase de inglés.
4. How do you say “English teacher” in Spanish?
- Profesor de inglés (male) / Profesora de inglés (female).
5. Can “Inglés” refer to English people?
- No, for people you say ingleses (male/mixed) or inglesas (female).
6. How do you ask someone if they understand English?
- ¿Entiendes inglés? → Do you understand English?
7. How do you say “I want to practice English”?
- Quiero practicar inglés.
8. Is “Inglés” the same in Spain and Latin America?
- Yes, it is universally used in Spanish-speaking countries.
9. How do you say “English words” in Spanish?
- Palabras en inglés.
10. How do you refer to someone from England?
- Male: inglés, Female: inglesa, Plural male/mixed: ingleses, Plural female: inglesas.
Conclusion
Knowing how to say English in Spanish is a fundamental step for travelers, students, and language enthusiasts. The word inglés is simple but powerful—it helps you ask questions, express your skills, and connect with Spanish speakers. Combine it with phrases like ¿Hablas inglés? and Quiero aprender inglés to navigate conversations naturally.
With practice and repetition, speaking confidently in Spanish will become second nature. Start with these phrases, practice daily, and soon you’ll be able to discuss languages, learning, and travel in Spanish without hesitation.
