Bedeutung
Asking if someone can speak English.
Kultureller Hintergrund
In cities like Tehran, English is a sign of modern education. Many people will be happy to speak it, but they might start with 'A little' even if they are fluent due to cultural modesty (Ta'arof). While Persian (Tajik) is the language, Russian is often the second language. In Dushanbe, younger people speak English, but 'Engilisi sohbat mekuned?' (Tajik variant) might be met with a Russian response from older generations. In Kabul, English is widely sought after for international work. The phrase remains the same, but the accent is distinct. Politeness is equally important. In places like 'Tehrangeles' (Los Angeles), this phrase is often used by second-generation Iranians who might be more comfortable in English than Persian.
The 'Bebakhshid' Rule
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me). It softens the inquiry and makes people much more likely to help.
Avoid 'Mikoni'
Even if you see someone your age, stick to 'Mikonid' initially. It's safer and shows you've studied the culture's emphasis on respect.
Bedeutung
Asking if someone can speak English.
The 'Bebakhshid' Rule
Always start with 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me). It softens the inquiry and makes people much more likely to help.
Avoid 'Mikoni'
Even if you see someone your age, stick to 'Mikonid' initially. It's safer and shows you've studied the culture's emphasis on respect.
The Modesty Factor
If someone says 'Ye kam' (A little), assume they speak more than they say. Continue in English slowly.
Body Language
A slight tilt of the head and a smile while asking makes this phrase 100% more effective.
Teste dich selbst
Complete the formal question.
ببخشید، شما انگلیسی ______ میکنید؟
The compound verb is 'sohbat kardan'. 'Sohbat' is the noun part that completes the meaning.
Which of these is the most polite way to ask a stranger if they speak English?
Select the best option:
Adding 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) and using the '-id' ending is the gold standard for politeness.
Match the Persian phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
These are the core building blocks of the English inquiry conversation.
Fill in the missing line in this dialogue.
A: سلام، ببخشید. انگلیسی صحبت میکنید؟ B: ________. چطور کمک کنم؟
The most logical and polite response to the question is 'Yes, I speak a little'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Ways to Ask
Formal
- • انگلیسی صحبت میکنید؟
- • آیا انگلیسی بلدید؟
Informal
- • انگلیسی صحبت میکنی؟
- • انگلیسی بلدی؟
Aufgabensammlung
4 Aufgabenببخشید، شما انگلیسی ______ میکنید؟
The compound verb is 'sohbat kardan'. 'Sohbat' is the noun part that completes the meaning.
Select the best option:
Adding 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) and using the '-id' ending is the gold standard for politeness.
Ordne jedem Element links seinen Partner rechts zu:
These are the core building blocks of the English inquiry conversation.
A: سلام، ببخشید. انگلیسی صحبت میکنید؟ B: ________. چطور کمک کنم؟
The most logical and polite response to the question is 'Yes, I speak a little'.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenNot at all, especially if you are a tourist. However, starting with 'Salam' (Hello) and 'Bebakhshid' (Excuse me) makes it much more polite.
You can try 'Farsi balad nistam' (I don't know Persian) and use a translation app or gestures.
It's just a common variation. 'Baladid' means 'Are you skilled in/Do you know'. It's very natural.
Yes, it is perfectly appropriate for a professional setting.
You say 'Man kami Farsi baladam' or 'Man kami Farsi sohbat mikonam'.
No, 'Aya' is the formal question marker. In spoken Persian, intonation does the work, so you can leave it out.
'Sohbat' is slightly more formal/elegant. 'Harf' is more common in daily casual speech.
It's optional. The '-id' at the end of the verb already tells us you are talking to 'you' (formal/plural).
It's a light breath, like the 'h' in 'house'. Don't skip it entirely!
Yes, especially among people under 40 in major cities. Most have studied it in school for years.
Verwandte Redewendungen
انگلیسی بلدید؟
similarDo you know English?
فارسی بلد نیستم
builds onI don't know Persian
کمی
similarA little
متوجه میشوید؟
similarDo you understand?
آرامتر صحبت کنید
builds onPlease speak more slowly
