What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "Do you know English?" because the verb bilmek (to know) is used for language proficiency instead of konuşmak (to speak). Here, İngilizce represents "English."
Which one should you use?
The most common way to ask this is İngilizce biliyor musunuz? (Do you know English?). However, İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz? (Do you speak English?) is also grammatically correct and is used to ask specifically about the act of speaking.
How does it change in a sentence?
To ask the question informally to a friend or a child, use the singular form İngilizce biliyor musun? instead of the polite or plural İngilizce biliyor musunuz?
When do people say it?
If you are asked this question and have limited proficiency, a common way to respond is Evet, biraz (Yes, a little). If you do not know the language, you can say Hayır, bilmiyorum (No, I don't know).
Did you know?
- In Turkish, the word for 'English' İngilizce is inherited from the Ottoman Turkish form انگلیزجه, which reflects the language's historical transition from the Arabic script to the Latin alphabet.
- The suffix -ce used in İngilizce is a versatile linguistic tool that can transform almost any nationality into a name for a language or an adjective meaning 'in the manner of'.
- A Turkish speaker might respond with Bilmiyorum ('I do not know') to indicate they cannot speak English, even if they recognize the words being spoken to them.
Examples in context
- Merhaba, İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?Hello, do you speak English?
- Merhaba, İngilizce konuşabiliyor musunuz?Hello, can you speak English?
- Siz İngilizce biliyor musunuz?Do you speak English?
Example conversation
A tourist is asking a local man for directions.
- MerveAffedersiniz, İngilizce biliyor musunuz?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- CanEvet, biraz biliyorum.Yes, I know a little.
- MerveTeşekkürler, çok naziksiniz.Thanks, you are very kind.
- CanRica ederim, yardımcı olabilirim.You're welcome, I can help.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries İngilizce, CC BY-SA 4.0.
