What does it mean word for word?
The phrase parlez-vous français ? is composed of the verb parler (to speak) in the second-person plural form, the subject pronoun vous (you) and the language français (French).
Which one should you use?
You can form this question in different ways. Parlez-vous français ? uses inversion, which means switching the verb and the subject. Alternatively, you can use the common est-ce que construction to say Est-ce que vous parlez français ? Both versions are grammatically correct.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The phrase parlez-vous français ? is a formal way to ask the question. For an informal setting, such as when speaking to a friend, a child or someone you know well, you can use tu parles français ? or parles-tu français ? In casual spoken French, you may also simply use a statement with rising intonation to ask the question.
How does it change in a sentence?
When speaking to someone you know well, the phrase can be conjugated in the informal singular form parles-tu français ?
When do people say it?
If you have limited proficiency, a common and useful response to this question is Oui, un peu. If you do not speak the language, a standard way to answer no is Non, je ne parle pas français.
Did you know?
- The English word 'parley', used when two opposing sides agree to talk, is a direct relative of the verb parler used in this phrase.
- The word français is a linguistic descendant of the name of the 'Franks', a Germanic tribe that settled in Gaul. It is a linguistic reminder that the modern French language has roots in a people who were once considered outsiders in the region.
- The act of choosing between the formal vous and informal tu when asking this question is part of a complex social ritual known as vouvoiement.
Examples in context
- Bonjour, monsieur. Parlez-vous français ?Hello, sir. Do you speak French?
- Salut! Tu parles français ?Hi! Do you speak French?
- Excusez-moi, parlez-vous français ?Excuse me, do you speak French?
- Monsieur, parlez-vous français ?Sir, do you speak French?
Example conversation
A tourist approaches a local man in a park.
- ManonBonjour, parlez-vous français ?Hello, do you speak French?
- HugoOui, je parle français.Yes, I speak French.
- ManonMerci beaucoup, monsieur.Thank you very much, sir.
- HugoDe rien.You're welcome.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries français, CC BY-SA 4.0.
