24 Japanese Phrases to Ask “Do You Speak English?”

Traveling in Japan and want to connect with locals? Asking “Do you speak English?” is your golden ticket to smooth conversations.

It’s a simple question but comes in many flavors depending on the situation. From casual to formal, there’s a phrase for every moment.

Mastering these phrases not only helps you communicate but also shows respect and effort in speaking Japanese.

Whether you’re ordering food, asking for directions, or making friends, knowing how to politely inquire about English ability is super handy.

Plus, it boosts your confidence and opens doors to richer experiences on your trip.

Ready to learn 24 warm and practical Japanese ways to ask “Do you speak English?” Let’s dive in!

Why Different Ways to Ask Matter

Japanese is a language rich in nuance, and the way you ask a question can change the tone completely.

Sometimes casual is fine among peers or young people, but in shops or official places, polite forms work best. This list covers both so you’re covered.

Knowing when and how to ask shows cultural understanding and makes interactions smoother.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

It’s also a fun way to build your Japanese vocabulary while traveling.

Practice a few phrases daily, and you’ll soon spot which fits best in different social settings.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. 英語話せる？ (Eigo hanaseru?) – “Can you speak English?”

This is the most straightforward, casual way to ask if someone speaks English.

“英語” (Eigo) means “English,” and “話せる” (hanaseru) is the potential form of “to speak,” so literally “Can (you) speak English?” It’s quick and easy for beginners.

Great for informal situations like asking a fellow traveler or a young local.

Simple and to the point!

You can add “ね” (ne) at the end for a softer tone: “英語話せるね？” (Eigo hanaseru ne?)

Using this phrase confidently helps you start casual conversations naturally.

2. 英語を話せますか？ (Eigo o hanasemasu ka?) – “Do you speak English?”

This is a polite but still common way to ask, suitable for most everyday interactions.

Adding “を” (o) marks the object “English,” and “話せますか” (hanasemasu ka) is the polite question form of “can speak.” Practice it by imagining polite conversations at stores or restaurants.

Using “ます” (masu) form makes it respectful.

Remember, the rising intonation at the end signals a question.

Avoid dropping particles in formal settings to keep it polite.

Try it next time you want to sound respectful but approachable.

3. 英語は話せますか？ (Eigo wa hanasemasu ka?) – “Can you speak English?” (Topic emphasis)

This phrase adds “は” (wa), the topic particle, emphasizing “English” as the topic.

It’s polite and slightly more formal than number 2, good for speaking with strangers or officials.

It’s very similar in meaning but sounds a bit softer and more natural in formal contexts.

Using “は” helps highlight what you’re asking about.

Practice by switching between “を” and “は” to notice the nuance.

This phrase is a great bridge between casual and formal speech.

4. 英語しゃべれる？ (Eigo shabereru?) – “Can you speak English?” (Very casual)

“しゃべれる” (shabereru) is a more casual verb meaning “can speak” or “can chat,” often used among close friends.

It’s a bit slangy compared to “話せる” (hanaseru), so use it with people you know or in relaxed environments.

Easy to remember because it sounds like “chatter” in English.

Avoid using this with strangers or in formal places.

Try it with friends or fellow travelers for a natural vibe.

It’s a fun way to sound more native and less textbook.

5. 英語、話せる？ (Eigo, hanaseru?) – “English, can you speak?” (Shortened casual)

This is a shortened, casual form where the topic particle is omitted and a slight pause is felt after “英語” (English).

It’s common in spoken Japanese to drop particles for brevity.

Good for quick checks with people your age or in informal settings.

Keep your tone friendly and conversational.

You can add “ね” (ne) for a softer ending: “英語、話せるね？”

Perfect for quick, casual chats.

6. 英語わかる？ (Eigo wakaru?) – “Do you understand English?”

Sometimes it’s easier to ask if someone “understands” English rather than “speaks” it.

“わかる” (wakaru) means “to understand.” This phrase is casual and friendly.

Great when you’re worried about comprehension more than speaking ability.

Use it with a smile to keep the mood light.

Avoid using it in very formal situations.

It’s a handy backup phrase if “話せますか？” feels too direct.

7. 英語できる？ (Eigo dekiru?) – “Can you do English?” (Casual)

“できる” (dekiru) means “can do,” so this is a casual way to ask if someone can “do” English.

It’s very informal and often heard among younger people.

Easy to remember because “dekiru” is a common verb for “can/cannot do.”

Not recommended in formal places, but great among friends or peers.

Try pairing it with gestures to help clarify meaning.

It’s a fun, laid-back way to ask.

8. 英語話せる人？ (Eigo hanaseru hito?) – “Is there someone who can speak English?”

This is a casual way to ask if there’s anyone nearby who can speak English.

“人” (hito) means “person,” so you’re literally asking, “English speaking person?”

Useful when you want help but don’t know who exactly to ask.

Keep your tone friendly and polite enough to encourage a response.

Often used in markets or crowds where assistance is needed.

Try it when you want to find an English speaker quickly.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. 英語を話していただけますか？ (Eigo o hanashite itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you kindly speak English?”

This is a very polite and formal way to request someone to speak English.

“いただけますか” (itadakemasu ka) is a humble request form that shows great respect.

Best used in official settings or when you want to be extra courteous.

It’s a bit longer but impresses with politeness.

Perfect for hotel staff, business meetings, or important services.

Practice the rhythm carefully to sound natural and respectful.

10. 英語で話してもよろしいですか？ (Eigo de hanashite mo yoroshii desu ka?) – “Is it alright to speak in English?”

This phrase politely asks if it’s okay to use English, showing consideration.

“よろしいですか” (yoroshii desu ka) is a formal way to say “Is it alright?”

Good for situations where you want to be respectful and not assume.

Don’t confuse it with demanding English—tone matters here.

Try using it at official events or with elders.

It’s a great way to show humility and respect.

11. 英語を話されますか？ (Eigo o hanasaremasu ka?) – “Do you speak English?” (Respectful passive form)

This is a respectful way to ask using the honorific passive form “話されます” (hanasaremasu).

It elevates the listener politely, good for elders or professionals.

It’s formal but not overly stiff.

Common in customer service or polite conversations.

Practice the pronunciation carefully for smooth delivery.

Pair it with a bow for added respect.

12. 英語を使えますか？ (Eigo o tsukaemasu ka?) – “Can you use English?”

This polite phrase asks if someone can “use” English, which is slightly different from just speaking.

“使えますか” (tsukaemasu ka) is the polite form of “can use.”

It’s useful when you want to confirm language ability for practical use.

Avoid confusing it with casual speech forms.

Use it to check if English is available for communication.

Great for service encounters or formal help desks.

13. 英語でお話しいただけますか？ (Eigo de ohanashi itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you please speak in English?”

This is a polite, more elaborate request to speak English using honorific language.

“お話しいただけますか” (ohanashi itadakemasu ka) softens the request beautifully.

It’s very respectful and shows gratitude in advance.

Perfect for restaurants, hotels, or formal situations.

Try pairing this phrase with a smile to ease the request.

It’s a phrase that balances formality with friendliness.

14. 英語で対応していただけますか？ (Eigo de taiō shite itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you assist me in English?”

This formal expression asks if someone can “assist” or “respond” in English.

“対応していただけますか” (taiō shite itadakemasu ka) is polite and service-oriented.

It’s perfect when you need official help or support.

Useful in hospitals, city offices, or customer service centers.

Shows professionalism and respect simultaneously.

Practice saying it slowly to sound clear and polite.

15. 英語で説明していただけますか？ (Eigo de setsumei shite itadakemasu ka?) – “Could you explain in English?”

A polite way to ask for explanations in English.

“説明していただけますか” (setsumei shite itadakemasu ka) means “Could you explain?” respectfully.

Great when you need detailed info or instructions.

Perfect for museums, tours, or workshops.

Helps avoid confusion and shows your eagerness to understand.

Smile and nod while using this phrase for best effect.

16. 英語を話すことは可能でしょうか？ (Eigo o hanasu koto wa kanō deshō ka?) – “Is it possible to speak English?”

This is a formal and somewhat indirect way to ask about English ability.

“可能でしょうか” (kanō deshō ka) politely asks “Is it possible?”

It’s useful in very formal or written communications.

Use it when you want to sound extra courteous and professional.

Try this phrase in emails or official inquiries.

It’s a great tool for formal requests.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. 英語話せる？ (Eigo hanaseru?) – “Can you speak English?” (Very casual, short)

This is a super casual and short way to ask, perfect for everyday chats.

No particles, just straight to the point, which native speakers often do.

Great for quick, informal conversations.

Watch your tone to avoid sounding rude.

Pair it with a smile and relaxed body language.

It’s a handy phrase for casual encounters and quick questions.

18. 英語できる？ (Eigo dekiru?) – “Can you do English?” (Very casual)

Another very casual phrase using “dekiru” (can do) for English ability.

Often used among friends or young people.

Simple and quick to say.

Not suitable for formal or polite situations.

Great when you want to sound relaxed and informal.

Practice with friends to get the natural tone down.

19. 英語わかる？ (Eigo wakaru?) – “Do you get English?” (Casual)

This casual phrase asks if someone “understands” English.

“わかる” (wakaru) is a common verb meaning “to understand.”

It’s often easier than asking if they speak it.

Good for quick, informal checks.

Keep your tone friendly to avoid confusion.

Useful when you’re unsure if the other person can communicate in English.

20. 英語話せるかな？ (Eigo hanaseru kana?) – “I wonder if you can speak English?” (Casual, wondering)

Adding “かな” (kana) makes the phrase sound like you’re wondering or guessing.

It’s casual and a bit softer, less direct.

Good for when you want to be polite but casual.

Use it to ease into conversation without pressure.

It’s a natural way to sound thoughtful.

Try it when you want to be friendly and gentle.

21. 英語いける？ (Eigo ikeru?) – “Can you do English?” (Super casual slang)

“いける” (ikeru) is slang for “can do” or “can manage.”

Very casual and used mostly by young people.

Sounds cool and native-like.

Not for formal or polite situations.

Use with friends or peers to sound relaxed.

Great phrase to add some local flavor to your Japanese.

22. 英語通じる？ (Eigo tsūjiru?) – “Does English get through?” (Casual)

“通じる” (tsūjiru) means “to be understood” or “to get through.”

This phrase casually asks if English communication will work.

It’s often used when you want to check if English will be effective.

Good for informal conversations.

Use it when you’re unsure about language barriers.

It’s a practical phrase to know on the go.

23. 英語わかんない？ (Eigo wakannai?) – “Don’t you understand English?” (Casual, checking)

This is a casual question checking if the person does not understand English.

“わかんない” (wakannai) is a casual negative form of “wakaru.”

Use it carefully to avoid sounding rude.

Best reserved for informal, friendly conversations.

Can help clarify when communication is stuck.

Use with a gentle tone to keep it friendly.

24. 英語できんの？ (Eigo dekin no?) – “Can you do English?” (Very casual slang)

“できんの” (dekin no) is a slang contraction of “dekiru no,” meaning “can you do?”

It’s very casual and often used by young people in informal settings.

Sounds very relaxed and native-like.

Avoid using it in formal situations.

Great for friendly chats with peers.

It’s a fun phrase to help you sound more like a local.

Concluding Thought

Learning different ways to ask “Do you speak English?” in Japanese opens up so many doors during your travels.

Whether you choose casual, polite, or native-like expressions, each phrase helps you connect better with locals and shows your respect for their language and culture.

Keep practicing, stay curious, and enjoy every conversation—you’re already halfway fluent in kindness!