You speak very well
in SpanishHablas muy bien español.
/AH-blahs mwee bee-EHN ehs-pah-NYOHL/
This is the most common and direct way to compliment someone's Spanish. Use it with friends, peers, or anyone you would address as 'tú'.
A simple compliment like 'Hablas muy bien español' can be a wonderful encouragement for anyone learning the language.
💬Other Ways to Say It
Habla muy bien español.
/AH-blah mwee bee-EHN ehs-pah-NYOHL/
This is the formal version of the primary phrase. It uses the 'usted' form of the verb, which is for showing respect.
¡Qué bien hablas español!
/keh bee-EHN AH-blahs ehs-pah-NYOHL/
A more enthusiastic and natural-sounding compliment, translating to 'How well you speak Spanish!'. It feels a bit more spontaneous and sincere.
Tu español es excelente.
/too ehs-pah-NYOHL ess ek-seh-LEN-teh/
This phrase means 'Your Spanish is excellent.' It focuses on their language ability as a whole rather than just the action of speaking.
Hablas muy bien el castellano.
/AH-blahs mwee bee-EHN el kahs-teh-YAH-noh/
This is a regional variation where 'castellano' (Castilian) is used instead of 'español' to refer to the Spanish language.
Hablás muy bien español.
/ah-BLAHS mwee bee-EHN ehs-pah-NYOHL/
This version uses 'vos' instead of 'tú', which is common in several Latin American countries, most famously Argentina. The verb changes from 'hablas' to 'hablás'.
Te desenvuelves muy bien en español.
/teh deh-sen-VWEL-vehs mwee bee-EHN en ehs-pah-NYOHL/
A more advanced and nuanced compliment. 'Te desenvuelves' means something like 'you handle yourself' or 'you get by.' It implies competence and ease.
🔑Key Words
Key Words to learn:
📊Quick Comparison
Choosing the right phrase depends mostly on formality and how much enthusiasm you want to show. Here's a quick comparison.
| Phrase | Formality | Best For | Avoid When |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hablas muy bien español. | Informal | Everyday conversations with peers, friends, or younger people. | Speaking to your boss, an elderly person, or in a very formal setting. |
| Habla muy bien español. | Formal | Showing respect to elders, authority figures, or new acquaintances in a formal context. | Chatting with close friends, as it can sound a bit distant. |
| ¡Qué bien hablas español! | Informal | Expressing genuine surprise and excitement about someone's skills. | You want to maintain a very formal or professional tone. |
| Tu español es excelente. | Neutral | A versatile compliment that works in almost any situation, formal or informal. | It's hard to go wrong with this one, but it might sound slightly more planned than a spontaneous '¡Qué bien hablas!'. |
📈Difficulty Level
Fairly easy. The 'ñ' in 'español' is the only sound that doesn't exist in English, but it's quickly learned.
The sentence structure is simple, but learners need to be mindful of choosing the correct verb form for formal ('habla') vs. informal ('hablas').
The phrase itself is straightforward. The nuance comes from delivering it sincerely and knowing when to use the formal or informal version.
Key Challenges:
- Remembering to use the adverb 'bien' instead of the adjective 'bueno'.
- Choosing the correct level of formality ('hablas' vs. 'habla').
💡Examples in Action
¡Guau, hablas muy bien español! ¿Dónde aprendiste?
Wow, you speak Spanish very well! Where did you learn?
Señor Pérez, debo decir que habla muy bien español para ser extranjero.
Mr. Perez, I must say you speak Spanish very well for a foreigner.
Me sorprende tu nivel. Tienes un español excelente.
Your level surprises me. You have excellent Spanish.
Che, ¡qué bien hablás castellano! ¿Sos de acá?
Hey, you speak Spanish so well! Are you from here?
🌍Cultural Context
A Welcome Encouragement
Complimenting a non-native speaker on their language skills is a very common and welcome gesture in Spanish-speaking cultures. It's seen as encouraging and friendly, and it's a great way to break the ice and make the other person feel more comfortable speaking.
Español vs. Castellano
While 'español' is understood everywhere, 'castellano' (Castilian) is the preferred term in Spain and some South American countries like Argentina. This is because other official languages exist within Spain (like Catalan and Basque), so 'castellano' refers specifically to the language that originated in the Castile region.
How to Respond Humbly
If you receive this compliment, a typical and humble response is 'Gracias, pero todavía estoy aprendiendo' (Thanks, but I'm still learning) or 'Gracias, hago lo que puedo' (Thanks, I do what I can). This shows modesty and a desire to keep improving.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Bueno' instead of 'Bien'
Mistake: "Hablas español muy bueno."
Correction: Hablas español muy bien.
Mixing Up Formality
Mistake: "Using 'Hablas...' with an elderly person or your boss."
Correction: Use 'Habla...' instead.
Forgetting the Article
Mistake: "Hablas el español muy bien."
Correction: Hablas español muy bien.
💡Pro Tips
Make it a Conversation Starter
Don't just drop the compliment and move on. Follow it up with a question to show genuine interest, like '¿Cuánto tiempo llevas estudiando?' (How long have you been studying?) or '¿Por qué decidiste aprender español?' (Why did you decide to learn Spanish?).
Be Specific for a Bigger Impact
To make your compliment sound even more sincere, be specific. You could say, 'Tu pronunciación es excelente' (Your pronunciation is excellent) or 'Me impresiona tu vocabulario' (Your vocabulary impresses me).
Mind Your 'Tú' and 'Usted'
Before you speak, take a half-second to decide if the situation calls for the informal 'tú' (Hablas) or the formal 'usted' (Habla). When in doubt, especially with someone older or in a professional setting, using the formal 'usted' is always the safer choice.
🗺️Regional Variations
Spain
Using 'castellano' is very common. The pronoun 'vosotros' would be used for complimenting a group informally ('Habláis muy bien').
Mexico
'Usted' is used more broadly for respect, not just for elders but sometimes among colleagues or new acquaintances. So, 'Habla muy bien' is a very useful default.
Argentina
The use of 'vos' is almost universal in informal contexts. Using 'tú' will immediately mark you as a foreigner. 'Che' is a common interjection used to get someone's attention.
💬What Comes Next?
After you compliment their Spanish
¡Gracias! Todavía estoy aprendiendo.
Thanks! I'm still learning.
Pues no se nota, ¡suenas como un nativo!
Well, you can't tell, you sound like a native!
After you compliment their Spanish
¿De verdad? A mí me cuesta mucho.
Really? It's very difficult for me.
¡Para nada! Tienes mucha fluidez.
Not at all! You have a lot of fluency.
🔄How It Differs from English
The biggest difference is that English uses 'you' for everyone, while Spanish requires a choice between the informal 'tú' (hablas), the formal 'usted' (habla), or the regional 'vos' (hablás). This choice, which depends on your relationship with the person, is a core concept that doesn't exist in modern English. Additionally, English speakers often confuse the adverb 'well' (bien) with the adjective 'good' (bueno), a grammatical distinction that is very important in Spanish.
The phrase is just as direct and positive in Spanish as it is in English. It's a straightforward compliment that is unlikely to be misinterpreted.
🎯Your Learning Path
➡️ Learn Next:
How long have you been learning Spanish?
This is the most natural follow-up question after giving or receiving this compliment.
Where are you from?
A fundamental question in any introductory conversation, often asked right after a compliment.
I'm still learning.
This is the perfect, humble response to have ready when someone compliments your Spanish.
Can you speak more slowly?
After someone compliments you, they might start speaking faster. This phrase is essential to keep the conversation going.
✏️Test Your Knowledge
💡 Quick Quiz: You speak very well
Question 1 of 3
You want to compliment your new, 60-year-old boss on her Spanish. Which phrase is most appropriate?
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the real difference between 'hablas' and 'habla'?
'Hablas' is the informal 'you speak,' used for 'tú' (friends, family, people your age). 'Habla' is the formal 'you speak,' used for 'usted' (elders, bosses, strangers you want to show respect to). Choosing the right one is key to being polite.
Is it better to say 'español' or 'castellano'?
Both are correct and will be understood everywhere. 'Español' is more common globally. 'Castellano' is preferred in Spain and some South American countries like Argentina. If you're in Spain, using 'castellano' might make you sound a bit more in-the-know.
How should I respond if a native speaker tells me I speak well?
A simple '¡Gracias!' works perfectly. If you want to be a bit more humble and keep the conversation going, you can add 'Todavía estoy aprendiendo' (I'm still learning) or 'Hago mi mejor esfuerzo' (I do my best).
Is it okay to say 'Tu español es perfecto'?
Yes, it's a very strong and kind compliment! However, some learners might feel it's an exaggeration and feel a bit of pressure. 'Excelente' or 'muy bueno' are great alternatives that feel very positive without being quite as absolute as 'perfecto'.
How can I compliment someone without sounding like I'm just reading from a phrasebook?
Try using the more enthusiastic version: '¡Oye, qué bien hablas español!'. The 'Oye' (Hey) makes it sound more spontaneous. Also, following up with a specific question like '¿Te resulta fácil la pronunciación?' (Do you find the pronunciation easy?) shows you're genuinely interested.
What if I want to compliment a group of people?
If you're in Spain and speaking informally to a group, you'd use the 'vosotros' form: 'Habláis muy bien español.' In Latin America (and formally in Spain), you'd use the 'ustedes' form: 'Hablan muy bien español.' 'Hablan' is the safe bet for a group in almost any context.
📚Continue Learning Spanish Phrases
Explore More Phrases in These Categories
Find similar phrases to expand your Spanish vocabulary:
Want to Learn More Spanish Phrases?
Browse our complete collection of Spanish phrases organized by situation, from basic greetings to advanced conversations. Perfect for travelers, students, and anyone learning Spanish.
View All Spanish Phrases →