Why you freeze when speaking Spanish

Video Here (2:35)


Hola chic@s,

I believe a lot of us don’t always struggle speaking Spanish because we don’t know enough words.

We struggle because we freeze when it’s our turn to speak.

You understand what’s being said…

but when it’s your turn…

🥶 your mind goes blank.


One thing that’s really helped me:

Native speakers don’t speak in perfect sentences.

They stall.

They pause.

They buy time.

They use little filler words.



So when you feel the freeze coming…

Use ‘pues’ or ‘bueno’.

To give yourself a second to breathe and think.


Pues… 👉 Well
🗣️ Pwehs

Bueno… 👉 Well
🗣️ BWEH-no

e.j ¿Cómo estás hoy?
How are you today?

Pues… estoy bien gracias
Well… I’m good thanks


I’ve created a filler word cheat sheet full of examples.


Share it around and put it to good use.


¡Disfruta!
Enjoy!


Un abrazo,
Harrison

Language for living, not just learning


Explore more real-life Spanish


P.S — If you want even more help unfreezing during Spanish conversations then check out The Chat Spanish Handbook. (Use code ‘BACALA0’ for 50% off).

Why do I freeze when speaking Spanish even if I know the words?

From my experience, freezing usually happens because you’re translating in real time and feeling pressure to get everything right. Filler words help you slow down and give yourself time to think.

What are filler words in Spanish?

Filler words are small phrases like eh, pues, or a ver that native speakers use to pause, think, or organise their thoughts while speaking.

Do native Spanish speakers use filler words?

Yes — all the time. Native speakers don’t speak perfectly or instantly either. They use filler words to keep the conversation flowing while they think.

What are the most common Spanish filler words?

Some of the most common are:

How do filler words help you speak Spanish more confidently?

They give you a moment to think, reduce pressure, and make your speech sound more natural. Instead of freezing, you stay in the conversation.