How to Say ‘Do you speak English?’ in Japanese
英語を話せますか？
eigo o hanase masu ka
[eigo o hanase masu ka]
💬 Usage Tip: Useful for initiating communication in English.
🇯🇵 In Japan: In urban areas, this question is often met with a helpful response.
Phrase Breakdown
英語
eigo
[eigo]
English
Refers to the English language.
あなたは英語を話せますか？
Can you speak English?
を
o
[o]
object marker
A particle marking the object of the action.
日本語を勉強しています。
I am studying Japanese.
話せます
hanase masu
can speak
Indicates the ability to speak.
日本語を話せます。
I can speak Japanese.
Words in this phrase
話せ
hanase
[hanase]
can speak
Expresses the ability to speak.
彼はフランス語を話せます。
He can speak French.
ます
masu
[masu]
polite verb ending
Indicates politeness in speech.
水を飲みます。
I drink water.
か
ka
[ka]
question marker
Turns a statement into a question.
これは何ですか？
What is this?
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