Beszél angolul?
The English phrase "do you speak english?" is translated into Hungarian as Beszél angolul?
This phrase is a question used to ask if a person has the ability to communicate in the English language.
Which one should you use?
While Beszél angolul? is a standard way to ask the question, you may also use Tud angolul? or Tudsz angolul? depending on the level of formality required.
Did you know?
- Hungarian is a non-Indo-European language, meaning it is not related to English, German or French. Because of this, words like Beszél have no cognates or 'cousins' in the English language.
- If you are in a tourist area in Budapest, you might hear Angolul? used as a shorthand. This single word functions as the entire question 'Do you speak English?' based solely on the speaker's tone.
- The word angol (English) shares a distant linguistic history with the name of the 'Angles', one of the Germanic tribes that settled in Britain.
Examples in context
- Elnézést, tud angolul?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Szia, tudsz angolul?Hi, do you speak English?
- Elnézést, te esetleg tudsz angolul?Excuse me, do you happen to speak English?
- Beszél angolul?Do you speak English?
Example conversation
László asks Anna for help at a train station.
- LászlóSzia! Beszél angolul?Hi! Do you speak English?
- AnnaIgen, egy kicsit.Yes, a little.
- LászlóHol van a pályaudvar?Where is the railway station?
- AnnaTudom, jödjön csak velem!I know, just come with me!
