Dear Opinion Judge,
Have you ever struggled to convey your thoughts in Spanish, worried that your words might be misinterpreted? We are here in Thrive in Spanish for supporting your learning path. Sharing an opinion, particularly on delicate subjects, is often challenging, even in our first language. The good news is that mastering this skill in Spanish involves more than just grammar—it's about developing the ability to communicate with confidence and cultural sensitivity.
Recently, a heated debate sparked in the Spanish-speaking world after the renowned French filmmaker Jacques Audiard made a controversial statement about the Spanish language. While discussing his latest film “Emilia Pérez”, he explained his choice to use Spanish by saying: “Estas son las razones por las que la película no se hizo en idioma francés o inglés. Determinamos que se iba a cantar en español y a partir de ese momento se convirtió en algo internacional. Lo que me gustó fue que el español es una lengua de países emergentes, de países pobres y de migrantes” His words didn’t sit well with many Latin American media outlets. How could an acclaimed director, someone who immersed himself in Mexican culture for his film, speak of Spanish in such terms? Was his opinion based on facts, or was it a personal perception?
Expressions to Make Your Opinions Stand Out
This leads us to this week's Thrive in Spanish blog: in Spanish, forming and expressing opinions involves more than just stating your thoughts—it's about backing up your ideas with structure, logic, and cultural context. When expressing agreement or disagreement, native speakers use five common expressions:
Yo pienso que... (I think that...)
Yo pienso que el español es mucho más que un idioma; es un vehículo de expresión artística y cultural. Grandes figuras como Federico García Lorca, Mario Vargas Llosa, Gabriel García Márquez, Shakira, Celia Cruz y Salvador Dalí han dejado huella en la literatura, la música y el arte mundial. Hablar español es conectar con una de las culturas más ricas y diversas del planeta.
Yo creo que... (I believe that...)
Yo creo que el español ya no es un idioma extranjero en Estados Unidos, sino una lengua de uso cotidiano. Con más de 42 millones de hispanohablantes, su impacto en la economía, los medios de comunicación y la vida diaria es innegable. Aprender español en EE. UU. no solo es una ventaja, sino una necesidad para mejorar la comunicación y las oportunidades laborales.
Me parece que... (It seems to me that...)
Me parece que pocas personas son conscientes de la magnitud del español a nivel mundial. Con más de 493 millones de hablantes nativos, es la segunda lengua más hablada después del chino mandarín. Aprender español significa acceder a una red de comunicación global en más de 20 países.
Desde mi punto de vista... (From my point of view...)
Desde mi punto de vista, el español se ha convertido en una herramienta fundamental en el comercio internacional, especialmente en las relaciones económicas con China. América Latina juega un papel clave en los mercados globales, y los países hispanohablantes han fortalecido sus acuerdos comerciales e inversiones con China. Hablar español abre oportunidades para negocios internacionales y expansión global.
Por mi parte... (As for me...)
Por mi parte, considero que el español es una de las lenguas más valiosas para viajar, hacer negocios y enriquecer la perspectiva cultural. Con más de 595 millones de hablantes en total, su presencia se extiende por todos los continentes, consolidándolo como una de las lenguas más influyentes en la actualidad. Además, me parece que el español también es un idioma de inmigrantes, ya que muchos latinoamericanos viajan a diversos países del mundo, llevando consigo su cultura. La pobreza no debe ser estigmatizada como la razón principal para emigrar. Más bien, muchos buscan desarrollarse profesionalmente, expandir su mente y convertirse en “ciudadanos del mundo” a través de nuevas oportunidades, no por necesidad económica, sino por el deseo de crecimiento y cambio.
Before and After Learning How to Express Your Opinion
Before mastering these expressions, giving an opinion in Spanish can feel like walking on thin ice—you hesitate, second-guess yourself, and worry about saying the wrong thing. But after incorporating these phrases into your speech, you’ll notice a transformation: you’ll sound more natural, more persuasive, and more confident in conversations.
Juxtaposing Pain and Pleasure
Imagine being part of a vibrant Spanish conversation about culture, politics, or film, and you can't quite find the right words. The frustration is genuine. Now, envision yourself effortlessly using the correct phrases, impressing native speakers, and participating in meaningful discussions. That's the advantage of mastering opinion structures in Spanish!
Closing with the Future in Mind
Expressing your thoughts in Spanish is not just a skill—it’s a doorway to deeper, more engaging conversations. Keep practicing, challenge yourself with real-life topics, and don’t shy away from debates. The next time you hear a controversial statement, you’ll be ready to share your view—eloquently and persuasively.
Fast QUIZer:
Select the right answer based on the information provided in the section above
Why is it important to support your opinion with logic and structure when speaking Spanish?
a) To sound more intelligent
b) To avoid misunderstandings and strengthen your argument
c) To use more complex vocabulary
Which of the following expressions would you use to express "From my point of view" in Spanish?
a) Yo creo que
b) Desde mi punto de vista
c) Me parece que
What is the key reason why Spanish is increasingly significant in international business, particularly with China?
a) It’s the language of European Union politics
b) It connects Latin America to global markets
c) It’s easier to learn than other languages
What cultural influence does Spanish-speaking immigration have on global communication?
a) Spanish-speaking immigrants often bring their culture and language, making Spanish a global bridge
b) Spanish-speaking immigrants only travel for economic reasons
c) Spanish-speaking immigrants mostly speak English once abroad
Which of the following is NOT a commonly used phrase to give an opinion in Spanish?
a) Yo pienso que
b) Yo odio que
c) Por mi parte
Now that you’ve learned the essentials of expressing your opinion in Spanish, it’s time to put it into practice. Whether it’s in casual conversations with friends or more serious discussions about current events, mastering these expressions will help you communicate with confidence and cultural awareness. Just remember—while sharing your opinions is influential, try not to find yourself in hot water like Jacques Audiard. Avoid controversial statements that could stir up unnecessary issues, especially when discussing sensitive topics. Every opinion you share in Spanish is not just about words—it’s about understanding, connecting, and influencing the world around you. So, don’t wait—dive into those conversations, let your voice be heard, and be prepared to express yourself eloquently, without stepping on any toes.
Keep practicing, and who knows? Your next opinion could change the course of a discussion!
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I hope to see you hearing your opinion Andrea Oliveros
Foreign Languages Teacher