英語しか話せません
eigo shika hanasemasen
The English phrase "I only speak english" is translated into Japanese as 英語しか話せません (eigo shika hanasemasen).
This phrase is used to inform others that the speaker does not know any languages other than English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 英語 (English), しか (only/nothing but) and 話せません (cannot speak).
Which one should you use?
While 英語だけ話せます (eigo dake hanasemasu) also means 'I only speak English', using しか (shika) with a negative verb sounds more natural and emphasizes the limitation of your language skills.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 英語しか話せません is the polite form, suitable for use with strangers, staff or people you do not know. This is the casual/dictionary form, used with friends or in very informal settings: 英語しか話せない.
How does it change in a sentence?
The particle しか (shika) must always be paired with a negative verb to express 'only'.
How do you pronounce it?
eigo shika hanasemasen
Did you know?
- In Japan, if you say 英語しか話せません, a listener might respond with 日本語が上手ですね meaning 'Your Japanese is very good', simply because you were able to say that phrase.
- Japanese has a concept called koto-ba for 'word' or 'language', which literally translates to 'leaves of things', suggesting that speech is like the foliage of a plant.
- While the phrase focuses on what you can't do, Japanese culture often prefers expressing things through what is 'impossible' or 'difficult' to maintain politeness when declining or stating limitations.
Examples in context
- 後で英語にしてもらえますか？私は英語しか話せません。Could we switch to English later? I can only speak English.
- 英語しか話せません。Eigo shika hanasemasen.I only speak English.
- 私は英語しか話せません。Watashi wa eigo shika hanasemasen.As for me, I only speak English.
Example conversation
Yui is being asked for directions by a local man in Tokyo.
- 大翔 Hirotoこんにちは。どこへ行くんですか？Konnichiwa. Doko e ikun desu ka?Hello. Where are you going?
- 結衣 Yuiすみません、英語しか話せません。Sumimasen, eigo shika hanasemasen.Excuse me, I only speak English.
- 大翔 Hirotoあ、英語が話せる人を探しますね。A, eigo ga hanaseru hito o sagashimasu ne.Oh, I'll look for someone who speaks English.
- 結衣 Yuiありがとうございます！Arigatou gozaimasu!Thank you very much!
