What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 英語 (English), が (subject marker) and 話せます (can speak, which is the potential form of 'to speak').
Which one should you use?
While the particle を is common for the verb 'to speak' (話します), the particle が is more grammatically standard when using the potential form 話せます.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express your English abilities depending on the setting. The phrase 英語が話せます is a polite form appropriate for conversation with strangers or superiors. For casual conversations with friends or family, you can use the informal versions 英語ができる or 英語を話せる. Other formal options include 英会話が得意です, which means 'I am good at English conversation' or 'I excel in English conversation' and 日常会話程度の英語を話せます, which is used to specify that your English is at a conversational level.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle が is used here to mark English as the object of the potential verb 'to be able to speak'.
Did you know?
- In professional settings, Japanese speakers often use 多少なりとも (to some extent) before 英語が話せます to show modesty. Claiming a skill too confidently can be perceived as arrogant in Japanese culture.
- If a Japanese person says 英語は勉強しています (I am studying English), they may actually be signaling that they cannot yet speak it fluently. It is a polite way to manage expectations without saying 'no'.
- If you are asked about your ability, replying with a simple はい (yes) after someone asks if you speak English can sometimes sound overly blunt or even slightly rude in high-level polite Japanese. It is better to repeat the verb to show politeness.
Examples in context
- 面接の際に、英語が話せますとアピールしてください。Please express that you can speak English during the interview.
- 私は日常会話程度の英語を話すことができます。I can speak English at a conversational level.
- 明日のパーティーでは英語ができるよ、喋ろう！At tomorrow's party, I can speak English, so let's chat!
- 新しい友達に英語を話せることを伝えた。I told my new friend that I can speak English.
- はい、少し英語が話せます。hai, sukoshi eigo ga hanasemasu.Yes, I can speak a little English.
- 私は英語が話せます。watashi wa eigo ga hanasemasu.I can speak English.
Example conversation
Misaki and Yota are at a party with international guests.
- 陽太 Yota美咲さんは英語が話せますか？Misaki-san wa eigo ga hanasemasu ka?Misaki, can you speak English?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、英語が話せます。hai, eigo ga hanasemasu.Yes, I can speak English.
- 陽太 Yotaそれはすごいですね！sore wa sugoi desu ne!That is amazing!
- 美咲 Misakiありがとうございます。arigatou gozaimasu.Thank you.
