Getting by
How to say “do you speak English” in Chinese
“你会说英语吗？” (nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?) asks if someone can speak English. “会” means can (a learned skill) and “吗” turns the sentence into a yes-no question. You can say 英文 (yīngwén) in place of 英语.
In Chinese
你会说英语吗？
nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
Do you speak English?
Other ways to say “do you speak English”
-
你会说英文吗？
nǐ huì shuō yīngwén ma?
Do you speak English?
英文 and 英语 are both used for english.
-
有人会说英语吗？
yǒu rén huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
Does anyone speak English?
When you need help in a place with several people.
-
您说英语吗？
nín shuō yīngyǔ ma?
Do you speak English? (polite)
Respectful form with 您.
-
我只会说一点儿中文
wǒ zhǐ huì shuō yìdiǎnr zhōngwén
I only speak a little Chinese
Explain your level.
Example sentences
-
请问，你会说英语吗？
qǐngwèn, nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
Excuse me, do you speak English?
-
这里有人会说英语吗？
zhèlǐ yǒu rén huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
Does anyone here speak English?
-
我会说一点儿中文，你呢？
wǒ huì shuō yìdiǎnr zhōngwén, nǐ ne?
I speak a little Chinese, and you?
How to reply
会一点儿
huì yìdiǎnr
A little
Good to know
- “会” is for skills you have learned (speaking a language); “能” is for ability in a situation.
- To answer yes or no, repeat the verb: “会” (I can) or “不会” (I can't).
Questions about “do you speak English” in Chinese
How do you say “do you speak English” in Chinese?
“do you speak English” in Chinese is “你会说英语吗？” (Do you speak English?). It is written in pinyin as nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?. You can also say “你会说英文吗？”, “有人会说英语吗？”, “您说英语吗？”.
How do you pronounce “你会说英语吗？” in Chinese?
“你会说英语吗？” is pronounced nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?. Tap the speaker on this page to hear it.
What are other ways to say “do you speak English” in Chinese?
“你会说英文吗？” (Do you speak English?): 英文 and 英语 are both used for English. “有人会说英语吗？” (Does anyone speak English?): when you need help in a place with several people. “您说英语吗？” (Do you speak English? (polite)): respectful form with 您. “我只会说一点儿中文” (I only speak a little Chinese): explain your level.
How do you reply to “你会说英语吗？”?
A natural reply is “会一点儿” (A little).
Practise it, don't just read it.
Play short games with real Chinese sentences and audio, free on the web and in the Pinglingo app.