Flisni anglisht?
Do you speak English? in Albanian is Flisni anglisht?
This phrase is used to ask if someone has the ability to communicate in the English language.
What does it mean word for word?
The word anglisht refers to the English language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Flisni anglisht? uses the second-person plural verb form. In Albanian, this is used when addressing multiple people or when you want to show politeness to a single person. The verb for 'to speak' is flet in the second-person singular form.
When do people say it?
If someone asks you this question, a common affirmative response is Po (Yes), while a common negative response is Jo (No). If you want to indicate that you have limited proficiency, you can say Unë flas pak anglisht (I speak a little English).
Did you know?
- In Albanian, the word anglisht is an adverb meaning 'in English', so the phrase Flisni anglisht? literally translates to 'Do you speak Englishly?'
- The word flas for 'I speak' comes from a root that is related to the concept of 'flowing', mirroring how some other languages link speaking to a fluid motion.
- In some regions of Albania, particularly in the north, you might hear people use different verb forms for 'to speak', such as fol instead of flis, though both are understood.
Examples in context
- A flisni anglisht?Do you speak English?
- Po, flas pak anglisht.Yes, I speak a little English.
- Më falni, flisni anglisht?Excuse me, do you speak English?
Example conversation
Klodian meets Tea at a tourist information center.
- KlodianPërshëndetje, flisni anglisht?Hello, do you speak English?
- TeaPo, flas anglisht. Si mund t'ju ndihmoj?Yes, I speak English. How can I help you?
- KlodianKu është muzeu më i afërt?Where is the nearest museum?
- TeaËshtë vetëm dy rrugica më tej.It is only two streets away.
