Why Do You Sound Like a Robot When Speaking a Foreign Language? You're Missing This 'Secret Ingredient'

Have you ever felt this frustration: you've memorised thousands of words and devoured thick grammar books, but the moment you actually open your mouth to speak with a foreigner, you instantly freeze up?

Either your mind goes blank, or what you say sounds dry and stiff, like you're reciting a textbook. If the other person speaks quickly, you can't keep up, and you struggle for ages to formulate a complete response. That feeling is like a pre-programmed robot – stiff and awkward.

So, what exactly is the problem?

Today, I want to share a secret with you: what you're missing isn't more vocabulary or more complex sentence structures, but rather a secret ingredient that can make your language 'come alive'.

Imagine Learning a Foreign Language Like Learning to Cook

Let's imagine learning a foreign language is like learning to cook a dish.

Textbooks and vocabulary apps give you the freshest ingredients (words) and the most precise recipes (grammar). You follow the steps strictly – a gram of salt, a spoonful of oil, precisely. Theoretically, this dish should be perfect.

But why does what you cook always feel like it's missing a bit of 'soul'? Yet, the everyday dishes whipped up by a restaurant chef or your mum always have that special 'something', making them so satisfying and memorable?

Because they've mastered the secret that isn't written in any recipe: the seasoning.

Those seemingly casual additions of spring onion, ginger, and garlic, a dash of umami-boosting soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil just before serving – these are the 'seasonings'. In language, this 'seasoning' refers to those verbal habits and filler words (Filler Words) that our teachers criticised us for and considered 'informal'.

In Spanish, they are called muletillas. They aren't linguistic errors; rather, they are key to making conversations feel more human, flowing and natural.

So, What Exactly is the Magic of This 'Seasoning'?

1. It Can Buy You Valuable Thinking Time

When chatting with native speakers, our brains need time to process information and organise our thoughts. At such times, a simple filler word is like a chef adding a splash of cooking wine while tossing a dish, which not only enhances the flavour of the dish but also buys them precious fractions of a second to prepare for the next step.

Rather than an awkward silence, it's better to naturally say 'erm...' or 'you know...', allowing the conversation to continue at a more natural pace.

2. It Makes You Sound More Like a 'Local'

No one speaks like they're writing an essay. Natural conversation is full of pauses, repetitions, and spontaneous exclamations. These filler words are the 'spring onion, ginger, and garlic' of language; they add flavour and rhythm to your expression.

When you start using them, you'll be amazed to discover that you no longer sound like a cold, emotionless language machine, but more like a living, breathing, and emotional local.

3. It Makes Conversations Truly 'Come Alive'

Many times, we get too focused on 'how should I respond', and forget that 'communication' itself is a two-way street.

Words like 'Really?', 'I see', 'You know what I mean?' are like our common Chinese phrases 'mm-hmm', 'exactly, exactly', 'and then what?'. They send a signal to the other person: 'I'm listening, I'm interested, please continue!' This transforms the conversation from your solo 'presentation' into a truly interactive exchange.

10 Super Practical Spanish 'Seasoning Words'

Ready to add some flavour to your Spanish? Try these super authentic muletillas.

When You Need to 'Buy' Some Time...

Emmm…
- This is more of a sound, equivalent to 'uh...' in Chinese or 'Um...' (or 'Erm...') in English. It's perfect when you need to think about what to say next.
- “¿Quieres ir al cine?” “Emmm… déjame ver mi agenda.” (“Want to go to the cinema?” “Erm... let me check my diary.”)
Bueno…
- Its literal meaning is 'good', but as a filler word, it's more like the English 'Well...'. It can be used to start a sentence, express hesitation, or give yourself a bit of thinking space.
- “¿Te gustó la película?” “Bueeeeno… no mucho.” (“Did you like the film?” “Well... not really.”)
Pues…
- Like Bueno, this is also a versatile filler word, meaning 'so...' or 'well...'. You'll hear it in almost any conversation.
- “¿Has hecho la tarea?” “Pues… no.” (“Have you done your homework?” “Well... no.”)
A ver…
- Literally meaning 'let me see...', its usage is exactly like its Chinese equivalent. Use it when you need to think or make a choice.
- “¿Qué quieres comer?” “A ver… quizás una pizza.” (“What do you want to eat?” “Let me think... maybe a pizza.”)

When You Need to Explain or Add Something...

Es que…
- Equivalent to 'the thing is...' or 'the problem is...'. It's the best way to start when you need to explain a reason or give an excuse.
- “¿Por qué no viniste a la fiesta?” “Es que tenía que trabajar.” (“Why didn't you come to the party?” “The thing is, I had to work.”)
O sea…
- Used to clarify or further explain what you've just said, equivalent to 'that is to say...' or 'what I mean is...' (or 'in other words...').
- “Llego en cinco minutos, o sea, estaré un poco tarde.” (“I'll be there in five minutes, meaning I'll be a bit late.”)
Digo…
- Said something wrong? Don't worry! Use digo to correct yourself, meaning 'I mean...'. It's a lifesaver for beginners.
- “La cita es el martes… digo, el miércoles.” (“The appointment is on Tuesday... I mean, Wednesday.”)

When You Need to Interact or Confirm...

¿Sabes?
- Placed at the end of a sentence, it means 'you know?'. Used to seek agreement or ensure the other person is listening.
- “El nuevo restaurante es increíble, ¿sabes?” (“That new restaurant is incredible, you know?”)
Claro
- It means 'of course', used to express strong agreement, telling the other person 'I completely agree with you'.
- “¿Crees que es una buena idea?” “¡Claro!” (“Do you think that's a good idea?” “Of course!”)
Vale
- Especially common in Spain, it's equivalent to 'okay' or 'alright', used to indicate you've understood or agreed.