en inglés, por favor
/en inˈɡles poɾ faˈboɾ/word by word
The English phrase "english please" is translated into Spanish as en inglés, por favor.
This phrase is used to request that a conversation or a written text be conducted in the English language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'in English, please'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, people often say ¿Me puedes hablar en inglés, por favor? to mean "Can you speak to me in English, please?"
How do you pronounce it?
/en inˈɡles poɾ faˈboɾ/
Did you know?
- The word inglés actually traces its roots back to Old English 'Englisc', making it a linguistic traveler that entered Spanish via Old French.
- In some Spanish-speaking contexts, adding por favor is not just about politeness but is often necessary to avoid sounding like you are giving a command.
- In some regions, asking en inglés, por favor can trigger a linguistic tug-of-war where the other person replies en español to assert their own language preference.
Examples in context
- ¿Puede escribirlo en inglés, por favor?Can you write it in English, please?
- Hable en inglés, por favor.Speak in English, please.
Example conversation
Sofía is talking to Daniel at a hotel reception.
- SofíaHola, ¿en qué puedo ayudarle?Hello, how can I help you?
- DanielLo siento, no hablo mucho español.I'm sorry, I don't speak much Spanish.
- SofíaAh, entiendo. ¿Qué necesita, Daniel?Ah, I understand. What do you need, Daniel?
- DanielEn inglés, por favor.In English, please.
