What does it mean word for word?
The word 영어 literally means 'English language'.
Which one should you use?
영어를 하실 수 있으세요? is a polite and respectful way to ask if someone speaks English. 영어를 말씀하실 수 있으신가요? is an even more formal and polite way to ask if someone speaks English. 영어 할 줄 알아요? is a common colloquial way to ask if someone has the skill to speak English and 영어 할 수 있어? is a casual and relaxed way to ask if someone can speak English.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Use 영어를 하실 수 있으세요? or 영어를 말씀하실 수 있으신가요? for formal situations. For a more casual but still polite tone, you can use 영어 해요? Finally, use 영어 할 수 있어? in informal or relaxed situations.
How does it change in a sentence?
The shorter form 영어 해요? is a more casual way to ask if someone speaks English, though 영어 하실 수 있어요? is more polite and respectful.
How do you pronounce it?
yeongeo hasil su isseoyo?
Did you know?
- Depending on the context, the word 영어 can also refer to a 'prison' or 'confinement'.
- While you can ask 영어 해요?, many Koreans may reply with 조금 ('a little') even if they are fluent, as a sign of modesty.
- When asking this in Korea, a slight nod of the head or a small bow often accompanies the phrase to show respect to the stranger.
Examples in context
- 영어 하실 수 있어요?yeong-eo hasil su isseoyo?Do you speak English?
- 혹시 영어 하실 수 있어요?hoksi yeong-eo hasil su isseoyo?By any chance, do you speak English?
- 저기요, 영어 하실 수 있어요?jeogiyo, yeong-eo hasil su isseoyo?Excuse me, do you speak English?
Example conversation
Minji is lost in a city and asks Hyunwoo for help.
- 민지 Min-ji안녕하세요, 영어 하실 수 있어요?annyeonghaseyo, yeongo hasil su isseoyo?Hello, do you speak English?
- 현우 Hyeon-woo네, 조금 할 수 있어요.ne, jogeum hal su isseoyo.Yes, I can speak a little.
- 민지 Min-ji다행이네요. 길을 잃어버렸어요.dahaeng-ineyo. gireul ireobeoryeosseoyo.That's a relief. I am lost.
- 현우 Hyeon-woo제가 도와드릴게요.jega dowadeurilgeyo.I will help you.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries 수, 영어, CC BY-SA 4.0.
