How to Say "Do you speak English?" in Chinese (Mandarin)

Category: Greetings & Basics

How to Pronounce "Do you speak English?" in Mandarin

The Chinese word for 'Do you speak English?' is 你会说英语吗？, pronounced Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma? in pinyin notation. To say it in English approximation: 'nee hway shwaw ying-yoo ma'.

Breaking Down the Characters

Character	Pinyin	Notes
你	Nǐ	Character component
会	huì	Character component
说	shuō	Character component
英	yīngyǔ	Character component
语	ma?	Character component
吗		Character component
？		Character component

Example Usage in Context

English	Chinese	Pinyin
I want to say 'Do you speak English?'	你会说英语吗？	Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?
How do you say Do you speak English??	"Do you speak English?"怎么说？	"Do you speak English?" zěnme shuō?
Please say Do you speak English? slowly	请慢慢说你会说英语吗？	Qǐng màn màn shuō Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma?

Understanding Mandarin Tones

Mandarin Chinese uses four tones plus a neutral tone. Getting the tone right is essential - the same syllable with a different tone can mean a completely different word. The pinyin Nǐ huì shuō yīngyǔ ma? includes tone markers to guide correct pronunciation.

Tips for Learning Chinese Pronunciation

• Listen to native speakers on apps like HelloChinese or Duolingo
• Practice the four tones separately before combining them in words
• Record yourself and compare to native pronunciation
• The pinyin system is the standard romanisation - learn it once and use it everywhere

Take Your Mandarin Further