Which one should you use?
While tu connais l'anglais ? asks if one knows the language, other variations include Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?) or Savez-vous parler anglais? (Do you know how to speak English?).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The default form tu connais l'anglais ? is informal and used for friends, family or people your own age in casual settings. For formal or polite situations, such as when speaking to strangers, elders or in professional settings, you should use vous connaissez l'anglais ? Other formal options include Connaissez-vous l'anglais? or Savez-vous parler anglais?, while informal alternatives include Est-ce que tu sais parler anglais? or Tu parles anglais?
How does it change in a sentence?
In French, names of languages are preceded by a definite article (l') when used as a direct object in this context, such as in l'anglais.
Did you know?
- While English speakers often start a request with 'Do you speak English?', French speakers may find it more polite to first apologize in French by saying Pardon, je ne parle pas très bien français before asking the question.
- The word tu shares a common ancestor with the English word 'thou', which was once the standard informal singular pronoun in English.
- The word anglais can also refer to a specific breed of English Setter dog in a hunting context.
Example conversation
Nathan is asking Chloé for help with a text.
- NathanSalut Chloé, tu connais l'anglais ?Hi Chloé, do you know English?
- ChloéOui, je le parle couramment.Yes, I speak it fluently.
- NathanPeux-tu m'aider avec ce texte ?Can you help me with this text?
- ChloéBien sûr, montre-moi ça.Of course, show me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries tu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Merci, Clinton !