Talar du engelska?
In Swedish, "do you speak English?" is translated as Talar du engelska?
The phrase is used to ask if someone has the ability to communicate in the English language.
Which one should you use?
Talar du engelska? is a direct way to ask if someone speaks the language. Kan du engelska? is a very common alternative that focuses on the person's ability to use the language. Kan du prata engelska? translates specifically to "Can you speak English?" Pratar ni engelska? is an alternative used when addressing multiple people or to be more formal.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
Using the verb talar is slightly more formal or precise than using kan in this context. Pratar ni engelska? can be used to be more formal when addressing a group.
How does it change in a sentence?
When using the verb talar, the name of the language engelska does not take a definite article.
Did you know?
- Swedish proficiency in English is so high that many locals might respond to Talar du engelska? by immediately switching to English without even asking if you are comfortable with it.
- The word du used in the phrase is a direct linguistic relative of the archaic English word 'thou'.
- The word engelska is linguistically related to the word 'angle', referring to the Germanic Angles tribe.
Examples in context
- Ursäkta, talar du engelska?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- Hej, talar du engelska?Hi, do you speak English?
Example conversation
Oscar is asking a stranger for directions in Stockholm.
- OscarHej! Talar du engelska?Hi! Do you speak English?
- LinneaJa, jag talar engelska. Hur kan jag hjälpa dig?Yes, I speak English. How can I help you?
- OscarKan du visa mig vägen till stationen?Can you show me the way to the station?
- LinneaSjälvklart, det är precis där borta.Of course, it is right over there.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries du, CC BY-SA 4.0.
