How well do you speak Spanish?

A recent poll asking readers how well they speak Spanish produced a wide range of responses. Some feel comfortable with everyday conversations and reading, while others struggle with understanding native speakers. Several remain determined to improve, but one questioned whether learning another language is worthwhile.

For some, the main challenge is understanding spoken Spanish. David M Wolff feels confident about his ability, but finds that speaking and understanding can be different things: “I speak Spanish very well, but I find it very hard to understand these Spaniards. They speak too fast.”

Lesley Marlor also sees conversation as important for improving. “I’m sorry, little. I’ve taken many courses and need more conversations with Spanish speakers, but it can be difficult since most people want to converse in English. I keep trying. My Spanish reading has improved.” Her experience highlights the difficulty learners can face when others prefer to speak English.

Andy Solomons has found grammar particularly challenging. “Very poorly. I did start lessons, but when we got to the verbs that seem to defy all rules I got very confused and, to be honest my memory is rubbish (in my late 70’s). I just pick up what I need as I go along.”

Judith Dominique Wolfenegg is more comfortable using Spanish in daily life. “Enough for everyday matters and for chatting a bit with neighbors and acquaintances. I also enjoy watching TV shows like La Voz and reading books and magazines in Spanish. Every now and then you have to look up a word, but that’s no problem in the age of smartphones, Google, DeepL, and the like. I still need to improve my grammar, especially the past tenses.”

However, Tristan Clark takes a different view, questioning the need to learn Spanish when English is so widely used. “What’s the point, everyone speaks English. The Internet, aviation, computer code and programming all in English. Medicine, biology, physics, chemistry papers 90 per cent are written in English, 90 per cent of designs and patents are English. We are just making more work for the Human Race. The future is NOT languages, especially when we are relying daily on the speed of communication now.”

Overall, most people said their Spanish was limited or moderate, although several are continuing to learn and use it. The responses show that regular conversation, patience and practical experience can all help learners make progress.