Do you speak English? in Japanese
英語を話せますか
In kana only: えいごをはなせますか
eigo o hanasemasu ka
What it literally says
can English be spoken
Japanese politeness is mostly built out of phrases that stopped being literal a long time ago. Knowing what is underneath is the difference between repeating a sound and knowing what you said.
When to use it
The answer is frequently 'a little' followed by rather good English.
Next in Yes, No and Understanding
The rest of the phrasebook
- Greetings挨拶14
- Thanks and Politeness感謝13
- Apologies謝罪13
- Introductions自己紹介13
- Small Talk雑談13
- Numbers and Counting数14
- Time and Dates時間13
- Asking Directions道案内14
- Trains and Stations電車15
- Taxis and Busesタクシー13
- Hotels and Ryokan宿14
- Restaurants and Ordering食事16
- Allergies and Food Restrictions食事制限13
- Convenience Stores and Shopping買い物14
- Money and Payment支払い13
- Temples and Sightseeing観光13
- Onsen and Public Baths温泉13
- Health and Pharmacy体調14
- Emergencies緊急14
- Lost Things and Trouble困りごと13
- Phone and Internet通信12
- Weather and Seasons天気13
- Reactions and Compliments相づち13
- Goodbyes別れ13