Whether you find yourself traveling in a French-speaking country or simply want to impress your French-speaking friends, knowing how to say “We speak English” can come in handy. In this guide, we will cover both the formal and informal ways to express this phrase, along with some useful tips and examples. So let’s dive right in!
Table of Contents
Formal Ways to Say “We Speak English”
1. “Nous parlons anglais” – This is the most straightforward and common way to express “We speak English” in formal situations. It is the standard phrase used in professional and official settings.
Example: Imagine you are attending a business conference in France, and the host asks if there are any English speakers. You can confidently respond, “Nous parlons anglais.”
2. “On parle anglais” – Although less formal than the previous phrase, this expression is still suitable for most professional interactions. It is commonly used in French-speaking countries and serves as a concise way to convey the same message.
Example: When participating in a formal meeting, you can state, “On parle anglais,” to let others know that you can communicate in English.
Informal Ways to Say “We Speak English”
1. “Nous causons anglais” – If you want to sound more friendly and casual, especially in social situations, you can use this phrase. “Causons” is a more informal verb form of “parlons” and adds a relaxed tone to your statement.
Example: At a social gathering, when someone asks if you speak English, you can respond playfully, “Nous causons anglais.”
2. “On cause anglais” – Similar to the previous phrase, “On cause anglais” is the informal version of “On parle anglais.” This option is commonly used among friends or in casual conversations.
Example: When meeting new people and trying to break the ice, you can confidently say, “On cause anglais,” to indicate that you speak English.
Additional Tips and Examples
1. Regional Variations
While the phrases mentioned above are widely understood throughout French-speaking countries, it’s worth noting that certain regional variations may exist. For instance, in Canadian French, you may hear “On parle l’anglais” or “On parle en anglais” to express the same idea.
Example: Let’s say you are in Quebec, Canada, and you want to inform someone that you speak English. You can casually mention, “On parle l’anglais” to make yourself understood.
2. Emphasizing Language Skills
If you want to emphasize your English fluency, you can modify the phrases as follows:
“Nous parlons couramment anglais” – We speak English fluently.
“On parle un excellent anglais” – We speak excellent English.
Example: In situations where you need to highlight your language capabilities, such as when applying for a job, you can confidently state, “Nous parlons couramment anglais.”
3. Using “Je Parle” as an Alternative
While the focus of this guide is on expressing “We speak English,” it is worth mentioning that the phrase “Je parle anglais” (I speak English) can also be used interchangeably. This is especially useful when you want to convey the same message in an individual context.
Example: If you are traveling alone and someone asks if you speak English, you can simply say, “Je parle anglais” to indicate your language proficiency.
4. Non-Verbal Communication
Remember that language is not only about words but also about non-verbal cues. If you find yourself struggling to communicate in French, utilize gestures, expressions, and body language to bridge the gap. A warm smile and a positive attitude can go a long way in conveying your willingness to communicate.
Example: Let’s say you encounter a friendly local who doesn’t speak English. Instead of feeling frustrated, you can smile and point to your English phrasebook, signaling your desire to find a common understanding.
Conclusion
Expressing “We speak English” in French can be accomplished with various phrases, depending on the formality and context of the situation. From the formal “Nous parlons anglais” to the informal “On parle anglais,” there are plenty of options to choose from. Remember to adapt your language style based on the specific setting and your relationship with the person you are speaking to. Additionally, keep in mind regional variations and don’t hesitate to rely on non-verbal communication when necessary. Bonne chance!
