He Doesn’t Speak English in Spanish | Say It Like A Local

In Spanish, the natural way is “No habla inglés” or “Él no habla inglés,” chosen by context and emphasis.

You’re trying to say one plain idea: a man can’t communicate in English. Spanish can express that idea in a few clean ways, and the “right” choice depends on what you’re doing in the moment—answering a question, warning a coworker, or smoothing an awkward mix-up at a counter.

This article gives you the phrases native speakers reach for, what each one signals, and the small grammar choices that make you sound natural. You’ll also get a quick pick-list you can use when you’re under pressure and don’t want to freeze.

Start With The Most Natural Core Sentence

If you only learn one line, learn this:

• No habla inglés. (He doesn’t speak English.)

Spanish often drops the subject because the verb form already shows who you mean. That’s why No habla inglés feels clean and direct. It’s the sort of line you’d say at a hotel desk when someone is trying to help and you need to set expectations fast.

If your listener asks, “Does he speak English?” your answer can be the same line, or even shorter:

• No. (No.)
• No, no habla inglés. (No, he doesn’t speak English.)

He Doesn’t Speak English in Spanish: Best Everyday Options

English tends to repeat the subject; Spanish doesn’t. Still, you can add él when you want contrast or you’re pointing to a specific person in a group.

Option 1: No habla inglés

Use this when the subject is already clear. It’s neutral. It fits casual situations and also polite ones.

Option 2: Él no habla inglés

Use this when you’re separating him from someone else: “I do, he doesn’t,” or “She does, he doesn’t.” The pronoun adds a bit of spotlight. Spanish grammar references note that subject pronouns are available for emphasis and contrast, not as a constant requirement. RAE: Los pronombres personales is a solid place to see how Spanish treats subject forms.

Option 3: No sabe inglés

This one shifts the meaning a touch. It can sound like “He doesn’t know English” in the sense of knowledge, not just speaking. It’s fine when you’re talking about ability in general, like job requirements, class placement, or a form asking what languages someone knows.

Option 4: No habla nada de inglés

This means “He doesn’t speak any English.” It’s stronger. Use it only when you mean it. If he knows a few words, this line can mislead.

Option 5: Habla poco inglés

This is the gentle middle: “He speaks a little English.” It’s handy when the person can handle basics—names, numbers, “yes/no”—but may struggle with speed or accents.

Word Choices That Change The Tone

Two phrases can share the same dictionary meaning yet feel different in a real exchange. Here are the tone levers that matter most.

Speak Vs. Know

Hablar points to speaking as an action: can he use English in a live moment? Saber leans toward knowledge: does he know English at all? If you’re talking about conversation ability, hablar usually lands better. The standard dictionary entry for hablar is a useful anchor if you like checking core meanings. RAE DLE: hablar

English As A Language Name

In Spanish, language names are lowercase in normal running text: inglés, español, francés. On signs or headings, you may see capitals, but in a sentence it’s lowercase. RAE DLE: inglés

How Strong Is “Doesn’t” In Your Situation

English “doesn’t speak” can mean “can’t” or “won’t,” depending on context. Spanish can be clearer if you need it:

• No puede hablar inglés. He can’t speak English (ability problem).
• No quiere hablar inglés. He doesn’t want to speak English (choice).

These are useful when a listener assumes refusal and you want to avoid tension.

When To Include Él And When To Drop It

Many learners overuse subject pronouns because English does. In Spanish, repeating él can sound stiff or can create an unintended contrast, like you’re correcting someone.

Use él when one of these is true:

• You’re contrasting people: “I speak it, he doesn’t.”
• You’re pointing: “That man over there—he doesn’t speak English.”
• The subject could be unclear after a few sentences.

Skip él when the subject is already obvious. Your Spanish will sound lighter right away.

If you want a teaching-style reference on pronoun forms and roles, the Instituto Cervantes Plan Curricular lists grammar inventory items by level, including pronoun systems and usage notes. Instituto Cervantes Plan Curricular: Gramática A1–A2

Common Real-Life Situations And What To Say

Memorizing one sentence helps. Matching it to a situation helps more. Here are practical lines you can lift as-is.

At A Counter Or Reception Desk

• No habla inglés. ¿Puede hablar más despacio? He doesn’t speak English. Can you speak slower?
• Yo puedo traducir. I can translate.

On The Phone

• Él no habla inglés. ¿Puede llamar más tarde? He doesn’t speak English. Can you call later?
• Un momento, por favor. One moment, please.

With Friends Or Coworkers

• No habla inglés, pero entiende un poco. He doesn’t speak English, but he understands a little.
• Si quieres, hablo yo. If you want, I’ll speak.

Mistakes That Make The Line Sound Off

Most mix-ups come from copying English word order. Spanish is forgiving, yet a few patterns can make your sentence sound translated.

Using “Habla” Without A Clear Negation

If you mean “doesn’t,” you need no. Saying Él habla inglés states the opposite. When you’re nervous, it’s easy to drop the tiny word that carries the whole meaning, so train yourself to start with No.

Overusing The Subject Pronoun

Repeating él in every sentence can sound like you’re pointing a finger. Spanish listeners may hear extra emphasis that you didn’t intend. Use the pronoun when you’re contrasting people, then drop it again.

Mixing Up “Inglés” And “Inglesa”

English is inglés for the language. Inglesa is a feminine adjective meaning “English” as a nationality or description, like una actriz inglesa. If you say No habla inglesa, it sounds like “He doesn’t speak an English woman.” Stick with inglés for the language.

Forgetting What Your Listener Needs Next

After you state the limit, offer a next step. It can be as simple as “I can translate,” “Please write it,” or “Speak slower.” That turns a dead end into a workable exchange.

Translation Options Compared

Use this table as a fast chooser. Pick the row that matches what you mean, not what English happens to say.

Spanish Phrase	Best Use	What It Signals
No habla inglés.	Default statement	Neutral, clear, no extra emphasis
Él no habla inglés.	Contrast in a group	Focus on “he,” often correcting or clarifying
No sabe inglés.	Forms, ability notes	Knowledge level, not only speaking
No habla nada de inglés.	Zero ability	Strong claim: none at all
Habla poco inglés.	Basic ability	Some speaking, likely slow or limited
No puede hablar inglés.	Ability limit	Can’t, not a choice
No quiere hablar inglés.	Refusal	Won’t, not a skill issue
No habla inglés todavía.	Learning in progress	Not yet, implies change later

Small Grammar Details That Make You Sound Natural

These details are small, yet they’re the difference between “understandable” and “native-like.”

Word Order

No goes right before the verb: No habla, No sabe, No puede hablar. If you put no later, Spanish ears catch it fast.

Adding A Clarifier Without Sounding Harsh

Sometimes you want to soften the line so it doesn’t feel like a wall. Two add-ons work well:

• …pero entiende un poco. …but he understands a little.
• …pero está aprendiendo. …but he’s learning.

These keep the message friendly while still setting expectations.

Choosing The Right “He” In Context

Spanish has more than one way to point to a male person: él (subject pronoun), ese/aquel (demonstratives), or just a noun like mi amigo. In a busy space, “Mi amigo no habla inglés” can be clearer than “Él no habla inglés,” since it labels the person.

Practical Mini Scripts You Can Copy

These short scripts help you handle the moment without building a full sentence under stress.

Script 1: You’re helping him

No habla inglés. Yo traduzco.

That second line takes pressure off the other person. It also keeps the exchange moving.

Script 2: You need slower speech

No habla inglés. ¿Puede repetir, por favor?

Repetir is a polite request to say it again. It works with anyone.

Script 3: You want written info

No habla inglés. ¿Lo puede escribir?

Written words can bridge accents and speed. This line is common at clinics, banks, and schools.

Pick The Right Line In Ten Seconds

This is the quick decision path. Read it once, then you can recall it later.

If You Mean…	Say…	Add This If Needed
Plain fact	No habla inglés.	pero entiende un poco
Group contrast	Él no habla inglés.	yo sí
Zero ability	No habla nada de inglés.	—
Basic ability	Habla poco inglés.	habla despacio
Learning now	No habla inglés todavía.	está aprendiendo
Not a choice	No puede hablar inglés.	—
Refusal	No quiere hablar inglés.	prefiere español

Quick Practice So It Sticks

Say each line out loud three times. Then swap the subject noun so you can use it with anyone:

• Mi jefe no habla inglés.
• Mi hermano no habla inglés.
• El profesor no habla inglés.

Next, add one softener:

• Mi hermano no habla inglés, pero entiende un poco.
• El profesor no habla inglés, pero está aprendiendo.

That’s it. You now have a clean default line, a contrast line, and a few practical upgrades that match what Spanish speakers expect to hear.