A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "I don't speak spanish, do you speak english" in Italian
Don't speak Spanish? Ask if they speak English with this essential Italian phrase.
Non parlo spagnolo, parli inglese?
non PAR-lo spa-NYO-lo, PAR-li een-GLEH-zehneutral
Italian TTS · 0:01
Use this when you've accidentally started speaking Spanish to someone and need to switch languages. It's perfect for asking for directions or help in a shop when you realize your Spanish isn't understood.
Alternatives
- Non parlo spagnolo, Lei parla inglese?Use this if you want to be more formal, addressing someone older or in a very official setting.
- Scusi, non parlo spagnolo. Parla inglese?Adding 'Scusi' (excuse me) makes it a bit more polite before asking.
Ways to get it wrong
Spanish vs. Italian
Remember that 'spagnolo' is Spanish, and 'italiano' is Italian. Don't mix them up!
Pronouncing 'parli'
The 'gli' in 'parli' sounds like the 'lli' in 'million', not a hard 'g'.
A small cultural note
Italians are generally very accommodating and appreciate the effort to communicate, even if your Italian isn't perfect.
Frequently asked
How to say I don't speak Spanish in Italian?
You say 'Non parlo spagnolo'. This directly translates to 'I don't speak Spanish'.
What if they don't speak English either?
You might need to resort to gestures or a translation app. Italians are often resourceful and will try to help you figure things out.
Is it rude to assume they speak Spanish?
It's not inherently rude, but it's good to quickly clarify if you realize you're not being understood. This phrase helps you pivot smoothly.
