What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of 英語 (English) + で (in/using) + 話して (speak/talk) + ください (please).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The standard form 英語で話してください is a polite request suitable for use with strangers or teachers. For a very polite approach when speaking to a superior or a customer, you can use 英語で話していただけますか or 申し訳ありませんが、英語で話していただけますか to say "Could you please speak English?" or "I'm sorry, could you please speak English?" You can also use すみません、英語で話していただけますか to say "Excuse me, could you please speak English?" A more direct, informal way to ask is 英語で話してくれる? which means "Can you speak English?" Finally, dropping the end of the phrase to say 英語で話して makes it an informal request used with friends or subordinates.
How does it change in a sentence?
In this phrase, the particle で is used to indicate the means or instrument, which in this case is the language being used for the action.
How do you pronounce it?
eigo de hanashite kudasai
Did you know?
- A person may respond to your request to speak English with a nod and a smile even if they have not understood a single word. This behavior is often an attempt to avoid the 'loss of face' that comes from admitting they cannot communicate.
- The word 英語 (English) is composed of the characters for 'England' and 'language'. In Japanese, almost all foreign languages are named by combining the country name with the character 語.
- In Japan, asking someone to 'please speak English' can sometimes be perceived as more blunt than intended if you use the standard 話してください. To avoid sounding like you are giving an order, it is culturally safer to phrase it as a question using 'can you' rather than a direct command.
Examples in context
- 英語で話してください。Please speak English.This sentence is useful for practicing the phrase 英語で話してください.Tatoeba #5748800 by daifons, translation #5579390 by CK
- すみませんが、英語で話してください。Sumimasen ga, eigo de hanashite kudasai.Excuse me, but please speak English.
Example conversation
Kenta and Misaki are practicing languages together.
- 健太 Kenta美咲さん、英語で話してください。Misaki-san, eigo de hanashite kudasai.Misaki, please speak in English.
- 美咲 Misakiいいですよ。準備はいいですか？Ii desu yo. Junbi wa ii desu ka?Sure. Are you ready?
- 健太 Kentaはい、準備はできています。Hai, junbi wa dekite imasu.Yes, I am ready.
- 美咲 Misakiそれでは、始めましょう！Sore de wa, hajimemashou!Well then, let's begin!
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
