A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "Do you speak english" in French
The essential phrase to ask if someone speaks English in France. Polite and direct.
Parlez-vous anglais ?
par-LAY voo ahn-GLAYneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you need to find someone who can communicate in English. It's perfect for approaching shopkeepers, hotel staff, or anyone you need to ask for directions.
Alternatives
- Est-ce que vous parlez anglais ?Slightly more formal structure, but still very common.
- Tu parles anglais ?Use this only if you're speaking to a child or a friend.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'parlez' like 'par-lez'
The 'ez' ending sounds like 'ay', similar to the 'a' in 'say'.
Forgetting the liaison with 'vous anglais'
The 's' in 'vous' links to the 'a' in 'anglais', sounding like 'voo-Zahn-glay'.
Saying 'anglais' with a hard 'g'
The 'g' in 'anglais' is soft, like the 'zh' in 'measure'.
A small cultural note
While many French people do speak English, especially in tourist areas, asking politely in French first is always appreciated.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
How do I respond if they say yes?
You can simply say 'Merci' and then continue your conversation in English. They've indicated they're ready to switch languages.
What if they don't speak English?
They might say 'Non' or 'Pas beaucoup' (not much). You can then try using a translation app or a phrasebook.
Is 'Parlez-vous anglais?' always the best way to ask?
Yes, this is the standard and most polite way to inquire. It's universally understood and appropriate in almost any situation.
