How to Say “Speak English” in Greek

μιλάτε αγγλικά
milate anglika
The English phrase "speak English" is translated into Greek as μιλάτε αγγλικά (milate anglika).
This phrase is used as a question to ask whether someone has the ability to communicate using the English language.

Which one should you use?

The form μιλάτε αγγλικά uses the second-person plural or polite form. In contrast, μιλάς αγγλικά is the version used for friends or children.

How does it change in a sentence?

The default form μιλάτε αγγλικά uses the second-person plural/polite conjugation. To say "I speak English", you should change the verb to the first-person singular form, μιλάω αγγλικά.

How do you pronounce it?

milate anglika

Did you know?

  • If you want to ask if someone speaks English 'fluently', you might use the word ελεύθερα, which literally means 'freely'. It suggests the person is not 'bound' by a lack of vocabulary.
  • Because αγγλικά is plural, you are grammatically asking if someone 'speaks Englishes', even though you are only referring to one language.
  • If a Greek speaker responds to μιλάτε αγγλικά with καταλαβαίνω, they are saying 'I understand' rather than 'I speak'.

Examples in context

  • Με συγχωρείτε, μιλάτε αγγλικά;
    Excuse me, do you speak English?
    This sentence shows how to politely ask if someone speaks English using μιλάτε αγγλικά.
    Tatoeba #4182531 by glavkos, translation #1951244 by Wittich
  • Μιλάτε αγγλικά σα μητρική γλώσσα.
    You speak English like a native.
    This sentence demonstrates the phrase used in a statement about speaking English like a native.
    Tatoeba #11229036 by janTuki, translation #3542611 by vvv123
  • « Συγνώμη, μιλάτε αγγλικά, » – « Ναι. Λίγο. »
    "Excuse me, do you speak English?" "Yes. A little."
    This example shows a short dialogue using μιλάτε αγγλικά to ask for English proficiency.
    Tatoeba #4293269 by Adelpa, translation #4293267 by Adelpa
  • Μπορείτε να μιλήσετε αγγλικά;
    Can you speak English?
  • Μιλάς αγγλικά;
    Do you speak English?
  • 2 more sentences on Tatoeba

Example conversation

Nikos approaches a woman at a tourist information center.

  1. Νίκος Nikos

    Γεια σας, μιλάτε αγγλικά;
    Geia sas, miláte angliká?
    Hello, do you speak English?
  2. Ελένη Eleni

    Ναι, μιλάω πολύ καλά αγγλικά.
    Nai, miláo polý kalá angliká.
    Yes, I speak English very well.
  3. Νίκος Nikos

    Μπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε, Ελένη;
    Boreíte na me voithísete, Eléni?
    Can you help me, Eleni?
  4. Ελένη Eleni

    Βεβαίως, τι χρειάζεστε;
    Veveáiōs, ti chriázeste?
    Of course, what do you need?

Sources

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Jerry Gilbert
Jerry GilbertHelp make this guide better. Spot a mistake, know another way to say it, or have an example from real life? Share it below.
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