What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of eigo (English), o (the object marker), hanasemasu (the potential form of "to speak") and ka (the question particle).
Which one should you use?
While 英語を話せますか？ is a standard way to ask, 英語は話せますか？ is a more direct and straightforward way to ask the same question. For casual settings, you can drop the particles entirely and use the short form 英語話せる？ to ask "Can you speak English?"
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 英語を話せますか？ is polite and suitable for use with strangers or people you do not know well. For peers or in relaxed conversations, you can use the informal 英語を話せる？ or the phrase 英語が話せるの？ In very casual settings, the particle-free 英語話せる？ is also used.
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase 英語を話せますか？, the object marker o is used, but it is also grammatically common and correct to use the particle ga with the potential form hanasemasu.
How do you pronounce it?
eigo o hanasemasu ka?
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers might mistakenly use 英語を話しますか？ (the standard verb) instead of 英語を話せますか？ (the potential form). While hanashimasu ka is understandable, hanasemasu ka specifically asks about the ability to speak the language.
Did you know?
- The word 話す (hanasu), used in this phrase, also means 'to separate' or 'to part ways' in a completely different context, depending on the kanji used.
- If a Japanese speaker replies with sukoshi ('a little'), they may actually be quite proficient but are using a standard polite hedge to avoid overstating their skill.
- In many Japanese cities, you may see signs asking 英語は通じますか？ (Does English communicate/work?), which focuses on the communication success rather than your personal ability.
Examples in context
- 明日のパーティーに外国人の友達が来るんだ。英語を話せる？I have a foreign friend coming to tomorrow's party. Can you speak English?
- 最近、英会話の勉強をしているんだけど、英語が話せるの？I've been studying English conversation lately. Can you speak English?
- 英語を話せますか？Eigo o hanasemasu ka?Do you speak English?
Example conversation
Misaki is asking Yota for help at a tourist information center.
- 美咲 Misakiすみません、英語を話せますか？Sumimasen, eigo o hanasemasu ka?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- 陽太 Yotaはい、少し話せます。Hai, sukoshi hanasemasu.Yes, I can speak a little.
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。Arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you very much.
- 陽太 Yotaいいえ、どうしましたか？Iie, dou shimashita ka?No problem, what can I help you with?
