When Shakira’s hips don’t lie, neither do her languages.
The Colombian superstar is also a brilliant polyglot whose love of language is almost as famous as her belly dancing. Shakira once joked that learning new languages makes her feel like her brain is dancing. With that kind of attitude, no wonder she picks them up like choreography.
So how many languages does Shakira speak? And how fluently? Let’s break it down. Prepare to be seriously impressed!
A quick English‑class cameo
Before we go deeper into Shakira’s language skills, hit play on this short classroom‑style breakdown of her classic track “Underneath Your Clothes.” It’s a fun learning moment that shows she’s just as happy parsing verbs as she is belting choruses:
Shakira’s Language Skills
You might know her for bilingual songs, jaw-dropping Super Bowl performances, or iconic music videos. But Shakira is also a serious language learner. She speaks 6 or 7 languages, depending on how you count.
Here’s a list showing what languages Shakira speaks:
Relentless Curiosity
Shakira takes learning seriously. She studies consistently, reads in different languages, and makes time to practice even while traveling. In interviews, she’s mentioned that language learning is something she genuinely enjoys doing in her free time.
Beyond that, she’s taken online courses from major universities in subjects like philosophy, ancient history, and, of course, language acquisition. For her, it’s a lifelong passion driven by curiosity and a deep desire to connect with people around the world.
Songs in Multiple Languages
Shakira doesn’t only speak multiple languages; she also sings in different languages. While her discography is mainly in Spanish and English, she’s also performed covers and snippets in Arabic, Portuguese, and French.
Listen to some cool examples and dance along!
- Legendary hits “Whenever, Wherever” and “Loca” – released in both English and Spanish:
- “Je l’aime à mourir” – French cover, flawless:
- “Ojos Así” – includes Arabic-inspired vocals and lyrics:
- “La La La (Brazil 2014)” – kicks off with a vibrant Portuguese touch:
By the way, did you know this song also has a Spanish version? Here it is:
Shakira is a global icon, but also a living proof that being multilingual can be powerful, fun, and even cool. She once joked that learning new languages makes her feel like her brain is "dancing." With that kind of attitude, no wonder she picks them up like choreography.
Her passion for people, culture, and learning shines through in everything she does, both on and off stage. Want to learn like Shakira? It starts with curiosity, and maybe a good playlist.
FAQ
Does Shakira speak Spanish?
Yes, fluently. Spanish is Shakira’s native language. She was born and raised in Barranquilla, Colombia, and her earliest songs, interviews, and public appearances were all in Spanish. Even today, many of her most iconic hits like “Ciega, Sordomuda” and “Antología” remain beloved by Spanish-speaking fans worldwide.
Does Shakira speak English?
Yes, and at a very high level. Shakira began learning English seriously in the late 1990s, determined to write her own lyrics without needing a translator. Since then, she’s written and performed countless English-language hits, including “Hips Don’t Lie”, “Underneath Your Clothes”, and “Try Everything”. She also gives fluent interviews and has appeared comfortably on major English-speaking TV shows, like The Tonight Show and The Voice.
Does Shakira speak Arabic?
Yes, at a basic conversational level. Shakira has Lebanese roots on her father’s side, and she’s always been proud of that heritage. While she’s not fully fluent in Arabic, she’s learned to speak simple phrases and has incorporated Arabic dance and musical influences into her performances—especially in songs like “Ojos Así”. She’s mentioned in interviews that learning Arabic is part of her effort to stay connected to her family history.
Does Shakira speak French?
She’s learning it! While French isn’t one of her fluent languages yet, Shakira has shown growing confidence in using it. She’s chatted with fans in French during European tours and has performed a beautiful French-language version of “Je l’aime à mourir”, which was especially popular in France. She continues to practice and improve her French as part of her love for learning and communicating with fans worldwide.
