What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of nous (we), parlons (speak or are speaking) and anglais (English).
Which one should you use?
Using nous parlons anglais sounds more formal or deliberate than the more common conversational on parle anglais. To specify different levels of proficiency, you can use nous parlons couramment anglais to say "we speak English fluently" or on parle un excellent anglais to say "we speak excellent English".
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Canadian French, On parle l'anglais can be used to express "We speak English".
How does it change in a sentence?
In spoken or informal French, the pronoun on is frequently used instead of nous to mean "we". Note that unlike English, the name of a language in French, such as anglais, is not capitalized unless it is at the beginning of a sentence.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid adding a definite article before the language name, such as saying nous parlons l'anglais. It is more natural to say parlons anglais without le.
Did you know?
- In certain French dialects, such as those in Normandy or Burgundy, speakers may use the word je instead of nous to mean 'we'. While this was historically mocked as a peasant-like way of speaking, it remains a feature of several regional varieties.
- The word 'anglais' comes from the 'Angles', a Germanic group that settled in Britain, and is formed by adding the suffix '-ais' to the root 'Angle'.
Examples in context
- Nous parlons anglais en classe.We speak English in class.This sentence is useful for noting the location where English is spoken in a classroom.Tatoeba #5857549 by Aiji, translation #248847 by CK
- Nous parlons anglais ici.We speak English here.This sentence is useful for noting the location where English is spoken in a specific place.Tatoeba #12976009 by menaud, translation #12976008 by menaud
- Nous parlons anglais avec les touristes.We speak English with the tourists.
Example conversation
Lucas and Chloé are explaining their skills to a hotel manager.
- LucasEst-ce que vous comprenez les clients ?Do you understand the customers?
- ChloéOui, nous parlons anglais.Yes, we speak English.
- LucasC'est parfait pour votre travail.That is perfect for your job.
- ChloéMerci beaucoup.Thank you very much.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries anglais, nous, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
