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“I understand a lot… but I can’t really speak.”
I have said that myself numerous time, and I have heard that even more.
And I think it is a really interesting fact, because it’s actually very common.
You listen, you read, and things make sense.
You recognize words, structures, expressions.
Sometimes you even think: “Oh, I know this.”
But when it’s time to speak… Suddenly, it's another story.
It feels completely different.
The sentence doesn’t come out the same way.
You hesitate. You look for words.
Or sometimes, nothing comes at all.
And to be honest, it feels frustrating.
You can see a clear gap between what you know and what you can actually use.
And sometimes we just need to take a step back.
Because understanding and speaking are not the same skill and don't require the same attention.
When you understand something, your brain is recognizing.
It’s more passive, in a way. You don’t have to build anything, just follow.
Speaking is the opposite.
You have to find the words yourself, structure the sentence and decide how to say things, and of course all of that simultaneously in real time.
And that takes practice.
Not just studying, but actually using the language.
I’ve experienced this myself when I was learning English and I am still not out of it when I speak Japanese.
I could understand quite a lot at some point. But speaking felt much harder because I was overthinking everything. Trying to make perfect sentences before even saying them.
And in the end… I wasn’t speaking that much.
Things only started to change when I began using the language more, even if it wasn’t perfect. Little by little, it became easier.
Not because I suddenly knew more, but because I was getting used to it.
I think that’s something we don’t always realize.
Being able to understand is already a very good sign.
It means you have the base.
What’s missing is not knowledge. It’s the habit of using it.
And that’s a different step.
It takes time, repetition, and also a bit of letting go.
(Especially the idea that everything needs to be correct before you say it.)
Because speaking is not about showing everything you know.
It’s about using what you can, in the moment.
And that’s enough.
That’s also something I focus on in my lessons.
Helping you move from understanding to actually using the language, little by little, in a way that feels natural.
Because that gap you feel?
It’s not a problem. We all go through it. It’s just part of the process.
See you soon.
Oriane
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