If you’ve ever watched a Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio interview, you've probably noticed a specific pattern. He sits there, draped in high-fashion streetwear or a vintage suit, looking completely unfazed by the global spotlight. Then the interviewer asks a question in English. Sometimes he nods. Sometimes he answers in Spanish with a translator. Occasionally, he drops a perfectly timed English phrase that catches everyone off guard. It leaves fans constantly googling: does Bad Bunny speak English?
He does. But it's complicated.
It isn't just about a language barrier; it’s about a massive cultural statement. Benito isn't your typical crossover star. Usually, Latin artists follow a specific blueprint—they get big in Spanish, then they record an English album to "conquer" the American market. Ricky Martin did it. Shakira did it. Enrique Iglesias did it. Bad Bunny? He basically looked at that blueprint and threw it in the trash. He became the biggest artist on the planet while barely uttering a word of English on his records.
The Reality of Benito’s Fluency
Let’s get the facts straight. Benito was born and raised in Vega Baja, Puerto Rico. If you know anything about Puerto Rico, you know it’s a U.S. territory where English is taught in schools, but Spanish is the heartbeat of daily life. Growing up, he was exposed to American culture, wrestling (we’ll get to that later), and hip-hop. He wasn't living in a vacuum.
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He understands way more than he lets on in some interviews. During his 2023 "Carpool Karaoke" segment with James Corden, he sang along to Ariana Grande and Harry Styles with near-perfect pronunciation. You don't do that if you're struggling with the basics. He even held a conversation with Corden—mostly in English—though he stayed within his comfort zone. He’s admitted in various sit-downs, like his 2021 interview with El País, that he’s been practicing and improving his English skills as his career has expanded globally.
It’s a confidence thing. Think about how you feel trying to speak a second language in front of millions of people. One wrong conjugation and you’re a meme. For someone as calculated with his image as Bad Bunny, he’d rather be precise in Spanish than "good enough" in English.
Why "Does Bad Bunny Speak English" is a Political Question
For Benito, speaking Spanish is an act of resistance. In an industry that has historically forced Latin artists to "Anglicize" themselves to reach the Top 40, he’s stayed stubbornly Puerto Rican.
He told Billboard back in 2021 that he wants to be the biggest artist in the world without having to change his language or his culture. And he did it. When he won his first Grammy for Best Música Urbana Album, his speech was almost entirely in Spanish. He’s showing the world that you don't need to speak English to be the most-streamed artist on Spotify three years in a row.
There's a specific pride there. It’s a "take me as I am" energy. When people ask does Bad Bunny speak English, they are often asking if he’s going to cater to them. His answer has consistently been: "I’ll speak it when I want to, not because I have to."
The WWE and Saturday Night Live Moments
If you want to see him actually using the language, look at his stints in the WWE. Wrestling is scripted, sure, but the promos and the backstage interactions require a certain level of English fluency to hit the marks. During his feud with Damian Priest and the Miz, he delivered lines in English that were clear, punchy, and effective. He wasn't stuttering. He was performing.
Then there was Saturday Night Live. Hosting SNL is a high-wire act for native English speakers, let alone someone who speaks it as a second language. In October 2023, he pulled it off. He used self-deprecating humor about his English skills, even bringing out Pedro Pascal to "translate" for him during the monologue. It was a brilliant move. By leaning into the "does he or doesn't he" mystery, he controlled the narrative. He showed he can handle a 90-minute live comedy show in New York City while still maintaining his identity.
Common Misconceptions About His "Crossover"
People often assume that because he has songs with Drake ("MIA") or Cardi B ("I Like It"), he’s "crossing over." But if you listen closely to those tracks, he’s almost always staying in his lane. On "MIA," Drake actually sings in Spanish. That’s the power shift. Instead of the Latin artist moving toward the English speaker, the English speaker is moving toward Benito.
- Fact: He has never released a full song entirely in English as a lead artist.
- Observation: He uses "Spanglish" frequently in casual settings, which is common for Puerto Ricans.
- Reality Check: His English is likely at a "high-intermediate" level, meaning he can navigate a business meeting or a dinner party but prefers Spanish for deep, philosophical, or emotional topics.
Honestly, the "bad" English he sometimes leans into is part of the charm. It makes him relatable. It’s the sound of someone who is global but refuses to be whitewashed.
The Evolution of His Public Persona
In the early days (around 2017-2018), he rarely spoke English publicly. He seemed almost shy about it. Fast forward to 2025 and early 2026, and he’s much more relaxed. You’ll see him on Instagram Live or TikTok chatting with fans, occasionally slipping into English slang.
He’s also a huge fan of cinema. He’s been taking more acting roles, like in Bullet Train alongside Brad Pitt or the film Cassandro. Acting in Hollywood productions essentially requires him to be functional in English. You can’t take direction from a guy like David Leitch if you don't understand the nuance of the instructions. So, while he might keep the "Spanish-only" vibe for his music, his professional life is becoming increasingly bilingual.
Why It Matters for the Future of Music
The obsession with whether or not he speaks English reveals a lot about our current culture. We are moving away from the era where English was the "default" language of the internet and global pop. Bad Bunny is the spearhead of a movement where regionality is a strength, not a weakness.
If you’re a fan trying to keep up, don't expect an "English album" anytime soon. He’s already said he doesn't feel the need to make one. He might do a few more verses here and there, but his core will always be his mother tongue.
So, to answer the big question: Does Bad Bunny speak English? Yes, he does. He just prefers you learn to understand his Spanish.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
If you are following Benito's career or looking to understand his impact, keep these points in mind:
- Don't mistake silence for ignorance. Just because an artist uses a translator doesn't mean they don't understand the question. It’s often a tool for precision and cultural pride.
- Watch his non-musical appearances. If you want to hear his most natural English, look at his WWE appearances or his 2023 SNL sketches rather than his music videos.
- Appreciate the "Inverted Crossover." Pay attention to how many English-speaking artists are now trying to record in Spanish to work with him. That is the real shift in the music industry.
- Language as a Brand. Study how Benito uses language as a form of "gatekeeping" his culture while still being the biggest star in the world. It's a masterclass in brand authenticity.
Benito has proven that the "language barrier" is mostly a myth. If the music is good enough, people will find a way to understand what you're saying, regardless of what dictionary you're using.