What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to "I know to speak French". This is because the verb savoir (to know) is used to express the ability to do something. In this phrase, je sais means "I know" and parler means "to speak".
Which one should you use?
While je sais parler français focuses on the specific skill of knowing how to speak the language, the more concise je parle français focuses more on the act of speaking it. For those who want to express a lower level of proficiency, je me débrouille en français means "I get by in French" and J'arrive à me débrouiller en français means "I can manage in French".
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb savoir is conjugated in the first person singular present tense as sais to mean "I know". When following savoir to express ability, the second verb parler remains in its infinitive form.
Did you know?
- The expression je me débrouille comes from the word brouille, meaning 'muddle' or 'mess'. To 'get by' in French literally means to 'un-muddle' oneself through a situation.
- In French, there is a sharp distinction between savoir and connaître, both translated as 'to know'. Savoir is used for facts and skills, like speaking a language, while connaître is used for people and places.
- The term français originates from the word 'Francus', referring to the Franks, a Germanic people who settled in Gaul. The name of the language is therefore rooted in the identity of an ancient tribal group.
Examples in context
- Oui, je sais parler français.Yes, I know how to speak French.
- Comme je sais parler français, je peux l'aider.Since I know how to speak French, I can help him.
Example conversation
Emma and Hugo are discussing their language skills at a café.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu sais parler français, Hugo ?Do you know how to speak French, Hugo?
- HugoNon, mais je sais parler anglais.No, but I know how to speak English.
- EmmaMoi, je sais parler français.As for me, I know how to speak French.
- HugoC'est super, Emma !That's great, Emma!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries français, je, parler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
