Говорите ли английски?
Govorite li angliyski?
The English phrase "do you speak english?" is translated into Bulgarian as Говорите ли английски? (Govorite li angliyski?)
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone has the ability to communicate in the English language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is constructed from the verb говорите (you speak), the question particle ли (question particle) and the noun английски (English). Literally, it translates to "Speak you [question particle] English?"
Which one should you use?
Говорите ли английски? is the polite and formal version of the question, whereas Говориш ли английски? is the informal version used with friends or children.
How does it change in a sentence?
The form Говорите is the second-person plural or formal singular conjugation of the verb говоря (to speak). The particle ли is used to turn a statement into a yes/no question and is placed after the first stressed word.
How do you pronounce it?
Govorite li angliyski?
When do people say it?
A standard way to answer Yes to this question is Да, говоря. (Yes, I speak.).
Did you know?
- While Говорите ли английски? is the standard question, Bulgarians often respond with a head shake to mean 'yes' and a nod to mean 'no'.
- Because Bulgarian uses the formal Говорите for strangers, using the informal Говориш when asking a stranger this question can be perceived as an unintended social snub.
- The particle ли can be traced back to a Proto-Slavic origin, meaning it is an ancient linguistic fossil that has survived through many centuries of Slavic evolution.
Example conversation
A tourist approaches a local woman in a cafe.
- Димитър DimitarИзвинете, говорите ли английски?Izvinete, govorite li angliyski?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Виктория ViktoriyaДа, малко.Da, malko.Yes, a little.
- Димитър DimitarБлагодаря ви много.Blagodarya vi mnogo.Thank you very much.
- Виктория ViktoriyaНяма защо.Nyama zašto.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries ли, CC BY-SA 4.0.
