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Phrase 35 of 500

How to say “Do you speak English” in Turkish

İngilizce biliyor musun?
een·gee·leez·jeh bee·lee·yohr moo·soon
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Meaning
Do you speak English?
Pronunciation
een·gee·leez·jeh bee·lee·yohr moo·soon

What “İngilizce biliyor musun” really means

İngilizce biliyor musun? means "Do you speak English?", literally "Do you know English?". Turks often use "bilmek" (to know) for languages. With strangers use the polite form "İngilizce biliyor musunuz?".

💬 Example dialogues

TuristPardon, İngilizce biliyor musunuz?Excuse me, do you speak English?

GençBiraz biliyorum.I know a little.

Benİngilizce biliyor musun?Do you speak English?

KeremYok, maalesef. Almanca biliyorum ama.No, sorry. But I know German.

🚫 When NOT to use it

Do not open with it if you can manage in Turkish; trying a few Turkish words first wins more goodwill. Avoid the informal "musun" with officials and older people.

🇹🇷 Culture note

In tourist areas many people speak English, Russian or German. In smaller towns young people are your best bet.

⚠️ Common mistakes

  • ✗ İngilizce konuş musun? → ✓ İngilizce konuşuyor musunuz?Either use "biliyor musunuz" or the full "konuşuyor musunuz".

Culture tip

Turks are thrilled when a foreigner tries Turkish. A simple Merhaba, ben… wins you smiles, tea and new friends.

Letters to watch in this sentence

  • C c like j in “jam”
  • İ i like ee in “see”

Related phrases

More phrases in this unit