Meaning
Asking if someone is able to communicate in English.
Cultural Background
English is a mandatory subject from elementary school. Most Koreans have high reading/writing skills but may feel shy about speaking. Asking '영어로 말할 수 있어요?' might be met with 'No' even if they can speak basic English, due to a fear of making mistakes. In business, English is often used as a 'neutral' ground to avoid the complexities of Korean honorifics between international partners. However, always ask first rather than assuming. In trendy areas, young people often use English loanwords and are very open to being asked this phrase. They may even respond in 'Konglish'. In the countryside, English proficiency is much lower. It is better to use very simple Korean or translation apps rather than relying on this phrase.
Smile and Bow
A small nod or bow while asking this makes you appear much more polite and increases the chance of a helpful response.
Don't Shout
If they don't understand, shouting the same phrase won't help. Try using a translation app or simpler words.
Meaning
Asking if someone is able to communicate in English.
Smile and Bow
A small nod or bow while asking this makes you appear much more polite and increases the chance of a helpful response.
Don't Shout
If they don't understand, shouting the same phrase won't help. Try using a translation app or simpler words.
Use '혹시'
Adding '혹시' (hok-si) at the beginning makes the question sound softer: 'Hoksi yeongo-ro mal-hal su iss-eo-yo?'
Patience is Key
The person might need a few seconds to 'switch' their brain from Korean to English mode. Give them time!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing particle and verb ending to ask 'Can you speak English?' politely.
영어___ 말할 수 있____?
'-로' is the correct particle for 'in/using a language', and '-어요' is the required polite ending.
Which of the following is the most natural way to ask a stranger if they speak English?
Choose the best option:
Option B is polite and grammatically complete. Option A is informal, Option C is blunt, and Option D is a statement, not a question.
Complete the dialogue between a tourist and a passerby.
Tourist: 실례합니다. (_________________?) Passerby: 네, 조금 할 수 있어요. 도와드릴까요?
The tourist needs to ask if the passerby speaks English before receiving the answer 'Yes, I can speak a little.'
Match the phrase to the correct social situation.
1. 영어로 말할 수 있어? 2. 영어로 말씀하실 수 있습니까? 3. 영어로 말할 수 있어요?
1 is informal (child), 2 is very formal (interview), 3 is polite/standard (clerk).
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises영어___ 말할 수 있____?
'-로' is the correct particle for 'in/using a language', and '-어요' is the required polite ending.
Choose the best option:
Option B is polite and grammatically complete. Option A is informal, Option C is blunt, and Option D is a statement, not a question.
Tourist: 실례합니다. (_________________?) Passerby: 네, 조금 할 수 있어요. 도와드릴까요?
The tourist needs to ask if the passerby speaks English before receiving the answer 'Yes, I can speak a little.'
1. 영어로 말할 수 있어? 2. 영어로 말씀하실 수 있습니까? 3. 영어로 말할 수 있어요?
1 is informal (child), 2 is very formal (interview), 3 is polite/standard (clerk).
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsNo, it's not rude as long as you use the polite '-어요' ending and start with 'Excuse me'.
Smile, say '감사합니다' (Thank you), and try to use a translation app or find someone else.
It's understandable but can be seen as demanding or rude. It's much better to use the full phrase.
'-로' means 'by means of'. You are asking if they can communicate *using* English as a tool.
No! In Korean, the subject is usually dropped if it's clear from context. Saying '당신' can actually be quite rude.
It's more natural in casual daily life, but '말할 수 있어요?' is perfectly fine for learners.
Use '영어로 말씀하실 수 있습니까?' or simply try to use very basic Korean words.
It means 'A little'. This is the most common response you will hear.
Yes, but use the formal '-습니까' form to show respect to the interviewer.
Not everyone, but a large majority of people under 40 have a functional understanding.
Related Phrases
한국말 못해요
similarI can't speak Korean.
천천히 말씀해 주세요
builds onPlease speak slowly.
영어 하세요?
synonymDo you speak English?
이거 영어로 뭐예요?
specialized formWhat is this in English?
영어 가능하세요?
similarIs English possible?
