Μιλάτε αγγλικά;
Milate anglika?
Do you speak English? In Greek is Μιλάτε αγγλικά, the polite form.
Μιλάτε αγγλικά uses the second person plural verb to show politeness to one person or to address a group, so it is the safe choice with strangers.
Which one should you use?
With one person you know well or with a child, ask Μιλάς αγγλικά.
How do you pronounce it?
Romanized as Milate anglika?
Did you know?
- When someone answers Ναι ('yes') to this question, it can be confusing for English speakers because the word sounds like 'nay'. In Greek, Ναι means 'yes' and Όχι ('ochi') means 'no'.
- The word αγγλικά ('English') shares the same root as the word for 'angels' (άγγελοι). Both derive from the ancient Greek word άγγελος, meaning 'messenger'.
- When asking this question in a shop or restaurant, you might find the staff answering with 'Λίγο, λίγο' ('a little, a little') instead of a single 'a little'.
Examples in context
- Γεια σας, μιλάτε Αγγλικά;Hello, do you speak English?
- Μιλάτε αγγλικά;Miláte angliká;Do you speak English?
Example conversation
Maria is asking for help at a tourist information center.
- Μαρία MariaΚαλημέρα σας, μιλάτε αγγλικά;Kalimera sas, milate anglika?Good morning, do you speak English?
- Γιώργος GiorgosΝαι, μιλάω αγγλικά. Πώς μπορώ να βοηθήσω;Nai, milao anglika. Pos boro na voithiso?Yes, I speak English. How can I help?
- Μαρία MariaΘέλω να βρω το μουσείο.Thelo na vro to mouseio.I want to find the museum.
- Γιώργος GiorgosΕίναι πολύ κοντά εδώ, Μαρία.Einai poly konta edo, Maria.It is very close here, Maria.
