Which one should you use?
Using Je ne parle pas anglais without an introductory apology makes the sentence a direct statement of fact rather than a polite apology.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
There are several ways to express this depending on the situation. To be polite or formal, you can use Je suis désolé(e), je ne parle pas anglais, Excusez-moi, je ne parle pas anglais, or Pardonnez-moi, je ne parle pas anglais. Using Pardon at the start, as in Pardon, je ne parle pas anglais, is a common way to politely get someone's attention or apologize for a misunderstanding. For informal situations, you may use Excuse-moi, je ne parle pas anglais.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective désolé should be spelled with an extra 'e' as désolée.
Did you know?
- The word pas in the phrase je ne parle pas originally meant 'a step'. It evolved from a way of saying you would not move 'not a step' into a standard way to say 'not'.
- In casual spoken French, the word ne is frequently dropped entirely, meaning you will often hear people say je parle pas anglais instead of je ne parle pas anglais.
- The word anglais is derived from the 'Angles', a Germanic tribe that settled in Great Britain.
Examples in context
- Je suis désolé, je ne parle pas anglais.I am sorry, I don't speak English.
- Pardon, désolé, je ne parle pas anglais.Excuse me, sorry, I don't speak English.
Example conversation
A tourist is asking a local man for directions in a busy street.
- LéaExcusez-moi, est-ce que vous parlez anglais ?Excuse me, do you speak English?
- LucasDésolé, je ne parle pas anglais.Sorry, I don't speak English.
- LéaAh, je suis désolée.Ah, I am sorry.
- LucasCe n'est pas grave.It is not a problem.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anglais, je, ne, pas, CC BY-SA 4.0.
