“Parlez-vous anglais?” : Meaning & Usage

Parlez-vous anglais? means “Do you speak English?” It’s the formal, polite way to ask if someone can communicate with you in English — used when addressing a stranger, an older person, or in professional settings.

Pronunciation: Parlez-vous anglais? is pronounced as par-lay voo ahn-glay

Formal vs. Informal

• Formal/plural: Parlez-vous anglais?
• Informal (friends, peers): Tu parles anglais?

How to Respond If Someone Asks You

• Oui, un peu — Yes, a little
• Non, désolé(e) — No, sorry
• Non, pas du tout — No, not at all

When to Use It Say Bonjour first. In France, asking a question, even a polite one before greeting someone is considered rude. The full, natural version is: Bonjour, parlez-vous anglais?