What does it mean word for word?
The phrase parlez-vous anglais ? literally translates to "speak you English?" because it uses inversion, which is the switching of the verb and the subject, to form a question.
Which one should you use?
The default form parlez-vous anglais ? is used when addressing a stranger, a superior or a group of people. For a more standard and natural way to ask the question without using formal inversion, you can use Est-ce que vous parlez anglais ?
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to a single person you know well, such as a peer or a child, you should use the informal form parles-tu anglais ? instead of the formal parlez-vous anglais ?
When do people say it?
In France, it is considered much more polite to start a conversation with "Bonjour" before asking if someone speaks English. If you have limited proficiency, a common response to this question is Oui, un peu.
Did you know?
- In some French-speaking regions, people may use the word franglais to describe the habit of mixing 'French' and 'English' in one sentence.
- The word anglais comes from Angle, referring to the Angles, a Germanic tribe that settled in Britain.
- The formal vous in parlez-vous anglais ? was historically used to address a single person of high status to show respect.
Examples in context
- S'il vous plaît, pouvez-vous parler anglais ?Please, can you speak English?
- Pouvez-vous, s'il vous plaît, me dire si vous parlez anglais ?Can you please tell me if you speak English?
- Parlez-vous anglais ?Do you speak English?
- Bonjour ! Puis-je vous demander si vous parlez anglais ?Hello! May I ask if you speak English?
- Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais ?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Monsieur, parlez-vous anglais ?Sir, do you speak English?
Example conversation
Chloé approaches Lucas at a tourist information center.
- ChloéPardon, parlez-vous anglais ?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- LucasOui, je parle un peu anglais.Yes, I speak a little English.
- ChloéC'est parfait, merci beaucoup.That's perfect, thank you very much.
- LucasDe rien, comment puis-je vous aider ?You're welcome, how can I help you?
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anglais, CC BY-SA 4.0.
