英語を話す
eigo o hanasu
To speak English in Japanese is 英語を話す (eigo o hanasu).
This phrase refers to the ability to communicate using the English language.
What does it mean word for word?
The particle を (o) is an object marker that marks English (英語) as the direct object of the verb.
Which one should you use?
The dictionary form 英語を話す (eigo o hanasu) is used in casual speech or as a plain statement of fact.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
The form 英語を話す is used in informal situations. Additionally, 英語をしゃべる is an informal expression meaning speak English.
How do you pronounce it?
eigo o hanasu
Did you know?
- While 'English' is 英語 (eigo), the word for 'English person' is イギリス人 (igirisu-jin), which uses a different phonetic origin entirely.
- In Japan, if you want to say someone 'speaks English' as a skill they possess, it is more common to use the verb できる (dekiru), meaning 'can do', rather than just 'to speak'.
- In many Japanese textbooks, 'to speak' is taught as 話す (hanasu), but in natural conversation about languages, the word 使う (tsukau), meaning 'to use', is frequently preferred.
Examples in context
- とても上手に英語を話すね。You speak English very well.This sentence is useful for complimenting someone's ability to use the form 英語を話す.Tatoeba #8823447 by small_snow, translation #6067799 by mailohilohi
- 彼女は英語を話すのを嫌がった。She refused to speak English.This sentence shows the form 英語を話す being used to describe a refusal.Tatoeba #2129981 by bunbuku, translation #1951800 by bluwy
- ボクは鴨ガー。英語を話すガー。I'm a duck, quack. I speak English, quack.This sentence uses the form 英語を話す in a playful or character-driven context.Tatoeba #10203533 by Sim5634, translation #10203535 by DJ_Saidez
- 彼はとても上手に英語を話します。He speaks English very well.
- お客様は英語を話されますか？Do you speak English, sir/madam?
- 彼女と英語をしゃべるのは楽しいです。Speaking English with her is fun.
- 25 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Ren and Misaki are talking about an upcoming international party.
- 蓮 Renパーティーでは英語を話す必要があるかな？Paatii de wa eigo o hanasu hitsuyou ga aru kana?Will I need to speak English at the party?
- 美咲 Misakiはい、英語を話す人がたくさん来ますよ。Hai, eigo o hanasu hito ga takusan kimasu yo.Yes, many people who speak English will come.
- 蓮 Ren少し緊張するな。Sukoshi kinchou suru na.I'm a little nervous.
- 美咲 Misaki大丈夫、蓮さんならきっと上手くいきます。Daijoubu, Ren-san nara kitto umaku ikimasu.It's okay, I'm sure it will go well for you, Ren.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
