Signification
Asking if someone speaks English.
Contexte culturel
In major cities, English is almost a second language for anyone under 40. You can expect a high level of fluency. In villages, older people are more likely to speak French or even some Russian. English is less common here. Romanian business environments are highly international. Speaking English is often a requirement for employment. Romanians value formal address. Even if you know the person speaks English, asking 'Vorbiți engleza?' first shows you respect their native language.
The 'Știți' Alternative
If you forget 'vorbiți', use 'știți' (SHTEETZ). It means 'do you know' and is just as common and polite.
Smile and Greet
A smile and a 'Bună ziua' will get you a much warmer response than just the question alone.
Signification
Asking if someone speaks English.
The 'Știți' Alternative
If you forget 'vorbiți', use 'știți' (SHTEETZ). It means 'do you know' and is just as common and polite.
Smile and Greet
A smile and a 'Bună ziua' will get you a much warmer response than just the question alone.
Avoid 'Englez'
Remember, 'englez' is a person. 'Engleza' is the language. Don't say 'Vorbiți englez?'
Teste-toi
Choose the most polite way to ask a police officer if they speak English.
______, vorbiți engleza?
'Mă scuzați' (Excuse me) is the standard polite opener for strangers.
Complete the sentence with the correct formal verb form.
Dumneavoastră ______ engleza?
'Vorbiți' is the correct conjugation for 'Dumneavoastră' (formal you).
Match the Romanian phrase to its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Understanding the register is key to correct matching.
Complete the dialogue at the hotel reception.
Tourist: Bună ziua! Receptionist: Bună ziua! Cu ce vă pot ajuta? Tourist: ______?
The tourist needs to establish a common language to get help.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use Vorbiți vs Vorbești
Vorbiți (Formal)
- • Police
- • Elders
- • Waiters
- • Strangers
Vorbești (Informal)
- • Friends
- • Siblings
- • Children
- • Classmates
Banque d exercices
4 exercices______, vorbiți engleza?
'Mă scuzați' (Excuse me) is the standard polite opener for strangers.
Dumneavoastră ______ engleza?
'Vorbiți' is the correct conjugation for 'Dumneavoastră' (formal you).
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
Understanding the register is key to correct matching.
Tourist: Bună ziua! Receptionist: Bună ziua! Cu ce vă pot ajuta? Tourist: ______?
The tourist needs to establish a common language to get help.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsBoth are used. 'Engleză' is the general name, 'engleza' is the specific 'the English'. In this question, 'engleza' is slightly more common.
It means 'A little'. Speak slowly and use simple words.
Yes! 'Vorbiți' is the same for 'you (formal)' and 'you (plural)'.
It's better to say 'Bună ziua' (Good day) first to be polite.
In cities, yes. In villages, it's less likely.
You would say 'Nu vorbesc engleza', but as a learner, you likely do!
The informal version is 'Vorbești engleză?'.
It is the second person plural/formal present tense of 'a vorbi' (to speak).
Because it is! It comes from Old Church Slavonic, unlike most other Romanian verbs which are Latin.
Yes, it is perfectly synonymous in this context.
Expressions liées
Înțelegeți engleza?
similarDo you understand English?
Vorbiți mai rar, vă rog.
builds onSpeak slower, please.
Cum se spune... în engleză?
builds onHow do you say... in English?
Nu vorbesc bine româna.
contrastI don't speak Romanian well.
