Govorite li engleski?
The English phrase "do you speak english?" is translated into Croatian as Govorite li engleski? or Govoriš li engleski?
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 phrase literally translates to "Speak you English?" The particle li is a question marker that is inserted after the first word of the sentence to turn a statement into a yes/no question.
Which one should you use?
The form Govorite li engleski? is used for formal situations, while Govoriš li engleski? is the informal version.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form Govorite li engleski? uses the second-person plural/formal verb form govorite. The informal version Govoriš li engleski? uses the second-person singular verb form govoriš instead.
When do people say it?
If someone asks you this question, a standard positive response is Da, govorim engleski (Yes, I speak English) and a standard negative response is Ne, ne govorim engleski (No, I don't speak English).
Did you know?
- In Croatian, language names like engleski are not capitalized unless they start a sentence. This is a major difference from English, where 'English' is always capitalized.
- The word engleski for 'English' shares an ancient root with the word 'angle', referring to the Angles, a Germanic tribe that migrated to Britain.
- In Croatia, even if you only know a few words, starting your sentence with Govorite li… shows a level of respect that can immediately make a stranger more willing to help you.
Examples in context
- Oprostite, govorite li engleski?Excuse me, do you speak English?
Example conversation
A tourist asks a local for help in a city.
- IvanaDobar dan, govorite li engleski?Good day, do you speak English?
- MarkoDa, govorim. Kako vam mogu pomoći?Yes, I do. How can I help you?
- IvanaTražim najbliži muzej, molim vas.I am looking for the nearest museum, please.
- MarkoSamo idite ravno do onog ugla.Just go straight to that corner.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries li, CC BY-SA 4.0.
