What to Say When You’re Not Sure What to Say – in Spanish!

You’re mid-conversation, and you blank. Use these friendly phrases to keep talking naturally.

There’s nothing more frustrating than this: you’re in a Spanish conversation with a family member or friend, you’re doing okay… and then it happens. You get stuck. You freeze. Your brain stalls out, the words vanish, and you’re left smiling awkwardly while the conversation keeps going without you.

If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Even intermediate Spanish learners—especially teens learning for family connection—hit these roadblocks. But here’s the good news: you don’t need perfect grammar to keep the conversation flowing. What you do need is a small toolkit of phrases you can fall back on when your mind goes blank. Think of them like conversation life rafts.

In this post, you’ll learn exactly what to say in those awkward moments, plus how to sound natural (even if you’re still building your fluency).

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Why These Phrases Matter More Than You Think

Learning Spanish to connect with family isn’t just about getting the grammar right. It’s about showing up in the conversation, even when nervous or unsure.

According to a study published by the Modern Language Journal, language learners who use communication strategies like asking for clarification or paraphrasing show stronger long-term speaking skills and more confidence overall.

That means the ability to keep talking, even imperfectly, is a huge part of reaching fluency.

12 Go-To Spanish Phrases for When You’re Not Sure What to Say

Here are some friendly, natural-sounding phrases you can use when the conversation takes an unexpected turn or your vocabulary falls short.

1. ¿Cómo se dice…?
   How do you say…?
   Use this when you’re searching for a word and want to keep going.
2. No sé cómo decirlo, pero…
   I don’t know how to say it, but…
   Great for signaling that you’re trying, even if it’s not perfect.
3. ¿Puedes repetir eso más despacio?
   Can you repeat that more slowly?
   A must-have when things move too fast.
4. ¿Qué significa eso?
   What does that mean?
   Use this to ask about a word you don’t recognize.
5. Es como…
   It’s like…
   A helpful way to describe something when you don’t know the exact term.
6. Olvidé la palabra.
   I forgot the word.
   Simple and honest. It helps keep the conversation going.
7. Estoy aprendiendo, así que mi español no es perfecto.
   I’m learning, so my Spanish’s not perfect.
   A great phrase to build grace for yourself, and invite patience from others.
8. Más o menos.
   More or less.
   Use this when you want to agree or acknowledge, but aren’t fully sure.
9. Creo que sí, pero no estoy segura.
   I think so, but I’m not sure.
   Honest, natural, and still keeps you in the conversation.
10. ¿Me puedes ayudar a decirlo mejor?
    Can you help me say it better?
    Great for practice and strengthening relationships with those who support your learning.
11. Un momento… estoy pensando.
    One moment… I’m thinking.
    This buys you time in a natural way.
12. ¿Lo dije bien?
    Did I say that right?
    Shows you’re trying and opens the door for gentle correction.

These Phrases Build More Than Language, They Build Connection

When you’re learning Spanish to talk to your abuela, your cousins, or Spanish-speaking friends, using these phrases shows them that you care. You’re not trying to be perfect, you’re trying to connect. That effort matters. It creates closeness. It shows heart.

While perfection might seem like the goal, connection and confidence actually drive language retention. Studies show that emotionally relevant conversations help learners retain vocabulary and structure more effectively than memorization or rote practice.

Want to Practice These Phrases in Real Conversations?

That’s where 1-on-1 lessons with native-speaking teachers can really make a difference. At Homeschool Spanish Academy, we offer personalized instruction that helps you use phrases like these in natural conversations, without pressure. You’ll get to speak, make mistakes, and build fluency in a space that feels safe and encouraging.

Ready to take it further? Click here to book a free trial class and start practicing the way real people speak.

Keep Going—You’re Closer Than You Think

Freezing in a conversation doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re learning. With a few of these go-to phrases in your back pocket, you can stay present, confident, and most importantly, keep talking.

Because fluency isn’t about having every word. It’s about never giving up on connection.

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