solo sé inglés
/solo se inɡles/from spelling rules
The English phrase "i only know english" is translated into Spanish as solo sé inglés.
This phrase is used to inform others that you do not speak any other language. You might also use the alternative solo hablo inglés, which uses the verb for "to speak" instead of "to know".
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the verb saber is used because it refers to the knowledge of a language. This differs from the verb conocer, which is used for being acquainted with people or places.
How do you pronounce it?
/solo se inɡles/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking regions, people might respond to solo sé inglés by using 'Spanglish', blending both languages to help the speaker understand.
- In written Spanish, the word solo used as 'only' historically took a written accent (sólo), though the Royal Spanish Academy now advises against it.
- The word inglés shares an ancient root with the English word 'English' through the Old French word 'angleis'.
Examples in context
- No hablo español, solo sé inglés.I don't speak Spanish, I only know English.
- ¿Puede ayudarme? Solo sé inglés.Can you help me? I only know English.
Example conversation
A tourist asks a local for directions in a park.
- Elena¿Dónde está la estación, por favor?Where is the station, please?
- AlejandroNo entiendo, ¿habla usted español?I don't understand, do you speak Spanish?
- ElenaNo, lo siento, solo sé inglés.No, I'm sorry, I only know English.
- AlejandroAh, entiendo. Espere un momento.Ah, I see. Wait a moment.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inglés, solo, sé, CC BY-SA 4.0.
