Parli italiano?
The phrase "do you speak italian?" in Italian is translated as Parli italiano?
This phrase is a question used to ask if someone has the ability to communicate in the Italian language. You may also hear the form Parla l'italiano?, which includes the definite article before the language name. While both are correct, omitting the article is more frequent in casual speech.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Parli is the second-person singular present indicative form of the verb parlare (to speak), meaning "you speak".
Which one should you use?
The form Parli italiano? is the informal version, whereas Parla italiano? is the formal version. Additionally, if you are addressing a group of two or more people, use Parlate italiano?
How does it change in a sentence?
When answering "yes" to this question, you can say Sì, parlo italiano, using the first-person singular form parlo ("I speak"). To answer "no", you add non before the verb: No, non parlo italiano.
Did you know?
- In Italy, you might be answered with Me la cavo, which literally means 'I manage' or 'I get by'. This is a common way to express a modest or intermediate level of fluency.
- The word parlare is a cognitive relative of the English word 'parley', which refers to a discussion between opposing sides to reach an agreement.
- If you ask an elderly person Parla italiano?, they might playfully respond that they speak 'dialect' instead of 'Italian', as many regional tongues are not officially classified as dialects but as distinct languages.
Examples in context
- Scusi, parla italiano?Excuse me, do you speak Italian?
- Mi scuso, lei parla italiano?I apologize, do you speak Italian?
- Posso chiederle se parla italiano?May I ask if you speak Italian?
- Parli italiano?Do you speak Italian?
- Ciao! Parli italiano?Hi! Do you speak Italian?
- Italiano?Italian?
Example conversation
Francesco meets Martina at a tourist information center.
- FrancescoCiao! Parli italiano?Hi! Do you speak Italian?
- MartinaSì, sono italiana.Yes, I am Italian.
- FrancescoOttimo, puoi aiutarmi per favore?Great, can you help me please?
- MartinaCerto, dimmi pure.Sure, go ahead.
