je parle français
The English phrase "I speak french" is translated into French as je parle français.
You use je parle français to state that you have the ability to communicate using the French language. If you want to convey a high level of proficiency, you might say Je maîtrise le français. If you wish to admit that your skills are not perfect in a slightly playful way, you can use Je baragouine en français.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of je (I), parle (speak/am speaking) and français (French).
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the verb parler (to speak) is conjugated in the first-person singular present tense as parle to go with the subject je. Note that the language name français is not capitalized in French, which differs from English.
Did you know?
- The word je descends from the Classical Latin egō̆, which is the direct relative of the English word 'ego'.
- The word baragouiner used to describe broken French is actually an onomatopoeia meant to mimic the sound of unintelligible chatter.
- In French, the verb parler can be used in music to describe a specific singing style that mimics the rhythm of natural speech.
Examples in context
- Je parle français et anglais.I speak French and English.This sentence is useful for listing multiple languages you speak using je parle français.Tatoeba #6463142 by Aiji, translation #2406539 by CK
- Je parle français à la maison.I speak French at home.This sentence is useful for specifying the location where you use the language using je parle français.Tatoeba #7550567 by Aiji, translation #6356334 by CK
- Je parle français avec Tom et Mary.I speak French with Tom and Mary.This sentence is useful for specifying the people you are speaking with using je parle français.Tatoeba #5461666 by Aiji, translation #2406544 by CK
- Je parle français.I speak French
- Je suis francophone.I am a French speaker
- Je maîtrise le français.I master French
- Je baragouine en français.I babble/speak in French
- 9 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé meet at a language exchange event.
- LucasBonjour ! Est-ce que tu parles français ?Hello! Do you speak French?
- ChloéOui, je parle français couramment.Yes, I speak French fluently.
- LucasC'est génial, je veux pratiquer avec toi.That's great, I want to practice with you.
- ChloéAvec plaisir, Lucas !With pleasure, Lucas!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries français, je, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
