Eu só falo inglês
/ˈew ˈsɔ ˈfa.lu ĩˈɡle(j)s/word by word
Eu só falo inglês is the Portuguese way to say I only speak english.
This phrase is used as a direct and polite way to signal a language barrier to a Portuguese speaker, informing them that you do not know any languages other than English.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of Eu (I), só (only), falo (speak) and inglês (English).
How does it change in a sentence?
In the phrase Eu só falo inglês, the verb falo is the first-person singular present indicative form of falar (to speak).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈew ˈsɔ ˈfa.lu ĩˈɡle(j)s/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- In some Portuguese-speaking regions, people may respond to this phrase by speaking English even more slowly or loudly, despite the speaker's clear statement that they do not understand the local language.
- The word inglês comes from Old French angleis, which evolved from the Old English word Englisċ.
- In Brazil, the word inglês can be used as a noun to describe a person from England, but it can also refer to the language itself depending on the context.
Examples in context
- Olá! Estou bem, obrigado/a! Desculpe, só falo inglês.Hello! I'm good, thank you! Sorry, I only speak English.
- Desculpe, eu só falo inglês.Sorry, I only speak English.
- Não entendo, eu só falo inglês.I don't understand, I only speak English.
Example conversation
A tourist is asking for directions in a Brazilian street.
- JulianaVocê fala português?Do you speak Portuguese?
- GabrielNão, eu só falo inglês.No, I only speak English.
- JulianaAh, entendi. Desculpe.Ah, I see. Sorry.
- GabrielTudo bem, não tem problema.It's okay, no problem.
