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.
- Νίκος NikosΓεια σας, μιλάτε αγγλικά;Geia sas, miláte angliká?Hello, do you speak English?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, μιλάω πολύ καλά αγγλικά.Nai, miláo polý kalá angliká.Yes, I speak English very well.
- Νίκος NikosΜπορείτε να με βοηθήσετε, Ελένη;Boreíte na me voithísete, Eléni?Can you help me, Eleni?
- Ελένη EleniΒεβαίως, τι χρειάζεστε;Veveáiōs, ti chriázeste?Of course, what do you need?
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.