Which one should you use?
Unlike English, the subject pronoun 'you' (Lei or tu) is often omitted in this question because the verb conjugation already indicates who is being addressed.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Parla inglese? is the formal way to ask this question and should be used when addressing strangers or in professional settings. For someone you know well, a child or someone your own age in a casual setting, you should use the informal parli inglese? Additionally, Sai parlare l'inglese? is an informal way to ask if someone knows how to speak English.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default formal form parla inglese? uses the third-person singular to express the formal "you" (Lei).
When do people say it?
If someone asks you this and you have a limited ability to communicate, a common and natural response is Sì, un po'.
Did you know?
- The word inglese entered the Italian language via a loan from Old French engleis.
- When using the formal parla inglese?, you are technically using the same verb form one would use to address a king or a queen, as it is the third-person singular conjugation.
- In very formal Italian, the pronoun Lei used in the formal version of this question is capitalized in writing to show respect to the person being addressed.
Examples in context
- Scusi, parla inglese?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Sì, parlo inglese.Yes, I speak English.
- Sì, parlo un po' di inglese.Yes, I speak a little English.
- Mi dica, parla inglese?Tell me, do you speak English?
Example conversation
At a hotel reception desk.
- AlessandroBuongiorno, parla inglese?Good morning, do you speak English?
- SofiaSì, parlo un po' di inglese.Yes, I speak a little English.
- AlessandroPerfetto, ho bisogno di un'informazione.Perfect, I need some information.
- SofiaCerto, mi dica pure.Of course, please tell me.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inglese, CC BY-SA 4.0.
