Parlez-vous anglais ?
formal
To ask "do you speak English?" in Quebec, say Parlez-vous anglais? to a stranger. With a friend or someone your age, Tu parles anglais? is natural. It is also called Est-ce que vous parlez anglais ?
Meaning: asking whether someone speaks English (phrase)
Ways to say it
| French | Note |
|---|---|
| Parlez-vous anglais ? | formal |
| Est-ce que vous parlez anglais ? | polite |
| Tu parles anglais ? | informal |
It helps to begin with a short greeting like Bonjour before the question, since Quebecers appreciate an attempt at French first.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Vous is the safe choice with shop staff, officials and older people. Tu fits friends, children and young people who use it with you first.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Many people in Montreal and Ottawa-Gatineau speak both languages, but in other regions French is the main language, so asking politely is useful.
Did you know?
- Quebec has French as its only official language at the provincial level.
Examples in context
- Excusez-moi, est-ce que vous parlez anglais?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Tu parles anglais ou français?Do you speak English or French?
Example conversation
A tourist, Sam, asks Mme Gagnon, a shopkeeper in Quebec City, for help.
- SamBonjour, parlez-vous anglais?Hello, do you speak English?
- Mme GagnonUn peu. Je peux vous aider?A little. Can I help you?
- SamOui, je cherche la gare, s'il vous plaît.Yes, I am looking for the train station, please.
