What to do when you don’t understand something

Not understanding something in Spanish is a natural part of learning. The most important thing is to stay calm and use active strategies to overcome the language barrier. Here is a practical guide based on advice from experts and students:

1. Key phrases for asking for clarification

Do not be afraid to interrupt politely to ask for help.

"Could you repeat that, please?"

"More slowly, please."

"What does [word] mean?"

"How do you say [a word in your language] in Spanish?"

"What do you mean by…?"

"Sorry, I do not understand. Could you explain it to me in another way?"

2. Strategies during a conversation (in real time)

Use context: do not try to translate word for word. Try to grasp the general idea and context based on the situation, gestures and the words you do know.

Paraphrase: say what you understood in your own words to check it: "So, do you mean that…?"

"How?": this is the most common and quickest way to ask someone to repeat something, similar to "What?" in English.

Use non-verbal language: if you do not understand each other, use gestures, point or draw.

3. Techniques for improving listening comprehension

Shadowing: listen to a podcast or audio and immediately repeat what is said, trying to imitate the intonation and speed.

Slow it down: on YouTube or podcast players, reduce the speed to 0.75x so that you can understand the sounds better.

Use subtitles: watch series or films first with Spanish subtitles, to connect sound and writing, and then without them.

Active listening: if you do not understand, listen to the same short audio, 30–90 seconds, several times.

4. What to do after the conversation

Vocabulary journal: write down the words you did not understand in a notebook or app to revise later.

Analyse the error: was it the speed, a regional accent or an idiomatic expression? Identifying the cause helps you improve next time.

5. Attitude and mindset

Accept the discomfort: it is normal to feel lost sometimes. Do not pressure yourself to understand 100%.

Practise "talking to yourself": narrate your day aloud while you cook or clean. This helps identify the vocabulary you are missing.

Language exchanges: find native speakers in apps who want to learn your language and can help you with theirs.