Jennifer Lopez: The Queen of Spanish Language

For American actress and singer Jennifer Lopez, Spanish is an essential part of her life and career. Born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, the bilingual entertainer has used her mastery of the Spanish language to make a lasting impact on the world of pop culture. From singing in Spanish to using her language to bring people together, here is a look at what Jennifer Lopez has said in Spanish over the years.

Uplifting Spanish Lyrics

One of the most remarkable things about Lopez is her ability to seamlessly incorporate Spanish into her hit music. She often uses her songs to address and empower listeners. Her collaborations with Wisin and Yandel, such as the pop-reggaeton hit “Rakata,” motivate listeners in Spanish to celebrate life and take risks, singing, “Y vamos a baila, vamos hasta abajo, que esa rakata se va a acabar, que estamos vivos y hay que celebrar” (Let’s dance, let’s go down, because this party is going to be over soon, let’s celebrate that we’re alive). In “Ain’t It Funny,” Lopez uses the verses to express how love can bridge the gap between cultures, and how it can bring people closer together, “Vive tu vida, Llenala de alegria, Dame tu mano no importa que seas tu, Bohemia o burguesa” (Live your life, fill it with joy; give me your hand, it doesn’t matter who you are, bohemian or bourgeoisie).

Uniting Through Language

In addition to her professional career, Lopez also uses Spanish outside of the studio to bring people together. In 2011, Lopez narrated an educational DVD produced by the United States Hispanic Chamber of Congress called “¡Avancemos!—Moving Ahead in America.” In it, Lopez told the story of how Hispanics and Latinos are invaluable contributors to the advancement of the country. She said, “Como latinos, con la cultura, la comida, el lenguaje y la música, somos parte importante de la historia y la cultura americana” (As Latinos, with our culture, food, language, and music, we are important parts of American history and culture).

Lopez also used her Spanish to make a powerful statement when she joined the “We Are One” virtual inauguration celebration for President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in January of 2021. She said in Spanish, “Una nueva era se inicia hoy. Un día para recordar un cambio real, un cambio para una mejor unión” (A new era starts today. A day to remember real change, change for a better union). The singer used her platform to call for unity, respect, and love between all kinds of people, regardless of their language or background.

From singing to speaking, Jennifer Lopez has made a lasting mark on the Latin music industry and the hearts of fans around the world by embracing her Puerto Rican heritage and using her words to bring people together. She proves that language should never be a barrier, but a bridge, to true understanding and love.