désolé, je parle anglais
The English phrase "sorry, I speak english" is translated into French as désolé, je parle anglais.
This phrase is used to apologize for not being able to speak the local language and to state that one speaks English.
Which one should you use?
Using pardon, je parle anglais instead of désolé, je parle anglais can sound slightly more polite or less heavy when initiating a conversation to explain a language barrier.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For an informal way to say "Excuse me, but I don't understand French", you might use Excuse-moi, mais je ne comprends pas le français.
How does it change in a sentence?
If the speaker is female, the adjective 'désolé' must take an extra 'e' to become désolée, je parle anglais.
Did you know?
- In France, starting a conversation in English without first attempting a French greeting like Bonjour is often perceived as rude rather than just a language barrier.
- While désolé is used for 'sorry', the word literally means 'desolate' or 'lonely'. Using it can sometimes convey a level of emotional distress far beyond a simple apology for a language barrier.
- Adding the phrase un peu ('a little') to je parle anglais can paradoxically make a speaker appear more fluent and socially aware than using the direct statement.
Examples in context
- Je ne comprends pas, désolé, je parle anglais.I don't understand, sorry, I speak English.
- Désolé, je parle anglais seulement.Sorry, I only speak English.
Example conversation
Hugo is lost in Paris and asks Emma for help.
- HugoBonjour, madame !Hello, ma'am!
- EmmaBonjour, comment puis-je vous aider ?Hello, how can I help you?
- HugoDésolé, je parle anglais. Parlez-vous anglais ?Sorry, I speak English. Do you speak English?
- EmmaOui, je parle anglais. Dites-moi.Yes, I speak English. Tell me.
