parler anglais
To speak English in French is parler anglais.
This phrase is used to describe the ability to communicate using the English language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb parler (to speak) and the noun/adjective anglais (English).
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the expression Parlez-vous l'anglais? may be used instead of Parlez-vous anglais?
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb changes depending on the subject or the intent. When used with the third-person singular subjects il (he) or elle (she), the verb parler changes to parle. The form parlez anglais is used when giving a command or making a request to a group of people or to one person using the formal vous.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly add a definite article before the language name. Instead of saying parler l'anglais, you should use the phrase without an article: parler anglais.
Did you know?
- Asking Parlez-vous anglais? can sometimes be perceived as a social 'test' in France, where the responder might pretend not to speak it to avoid the conversation.
- The verb parler shares an ancient root with the English word 'parable', both originating from the Greek word for a comparison or illustrative story.
- If you are talking about a person's nationality rather than the language itself, the spelling of anglais changes from lowercase to uppercase, such as 'un Anglais' for 'an Englishman'.
Examples in context
- Il doit parler anglais.He has to speak English.This sentence shows the necessity of speaking English with the subject il and the form parler anglais.Tatoeba #131629 by sysko, translation #294041 by CN
- Je sais parler anglais.I can speak English.This sentence demonstrates the ability to speak English with the subject je and the form parler anglais.Tatoeba #965361 by sacredceltic, translation #256187 by CK
- Je veux parler anglais.I want to speak English.This sentence expresses a desire to speak English with the subject je and the form parler anglais.Tatoeba #7419933 by Rockaround, translation #2854610 by CN
- Excusez-moi, parlez-vous anglais? Pourriez-vous m'aider avec ceci, s'il vous plaît?Excuse me, do you speak English? Could you help me with this, please?
- Veuillez parler anglais lors de la réunion demain.Please speak English during the meeting tomorrow.
- Je vous prie de parler anglais pendant le cours.I kindly request you to speak English during the lesson.
- Salut! Est-ce que tu parles anglais? On pourrait pratiquer ensemble.Hi! Do you speak English? We could practice together.
- Parle anglais avec moi, s'il te plaît!Speak English with me, please!
- Tu peux parler anglais? Parce que mon français est encore limité.Can you speak English? Because my French is still limited.
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan meet for the first time at a cafe.
- EmmaEst-ce que vous pouvez parler anglais ?Can you speak English?
- NathanOui, je peux parler anglais un peu.Yes, I can speak English a little.
- EmmaC'est super, Nathan !That's great, Nathan!
- NathanMerci, Emma.Thank you, Emma.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anglais, parler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
