¿Sabes algo de inglés?
/ˈsabes ˈalɡo de inˈɡles/word by word
The English phrase "do you know any english?" is translated into Spanish as ¿Sabes algo de inglés?
This phrase is used to inquire whether a person possesses any knowledge of the English language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Do you know something of English?"
Which one should you use?
While ¿Sabes algo de inglés? focuses on the person's knowledge of the language, the alternative ¿Hablas inglés? is a more common way to ask if someone can actually communicate in English.
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the question more polite and formal, you can use the third-person singular form ¿Sabe algo de inglés? instead of the second-person ¿Sabes algo de inglés?
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsabes ˈalɡo de inˈɡles/
Did you know?
- The Spanish word algo shares a common ancestor with the Latin word 'aliquod', which is the root of the English word 'aliquot'.
- Spanish distinguishes between saber and conocer for the verb 'to know', but only saber is used when asking about language proficiency.
- While inglés is the language, the term anglosajón is frequently used in academic or formal Spanish contexts to refer to the English-speaking world.
Examples in context
- Disculpe, ¿usted sabe inglés?Excuse me, do you know English?
- Oye, ¿sabes inglés?Hey, do you know English?
- ¿Tiene conocimientos de inglés? Necesitamos asistencia en ese idioma.Do you have knowledge of English? We need assistance in that language.
- ¿Hablas inglés? Estamos buscando a alguien que pueda ayudarnos.Do you speak English? We are looking for someone who can help us.
Example conversation
At a tourist information center in Spain.
- MateoHola, ¿sabes algo de inglés?Hello, do you know any English?
- MaríaSí, hablo un poco.Yes, I speak a little.
- Mateo¡Qué bueno! Necesito un mapa.That's great! I need a map.
- MaríaClaro, yo te ayudo.Of course, I will help you.
