Do You Speak English in Korean? 9 Easy Ways to Ask (With Examples)

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Korea, you might wonder how to ask someone, “Do you speak English in Korean?”. It’s a useful question that can save you when you’re lost, shopping, or just trying to order food.

In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to ask this question. You’ll learn polite, formal, and informal versions, plus related phrases like “Can you speak English in Korean?” or “Do you understand English in Korean?”. Each section includes short and simple Korean examples with English translations so you can start practicing right away.

Main Phrase: Do You Speak English in Korean

The most direct phrase is:

영어 할 줄 알아요?
(yeongeo hal jul arayo?)
= Do you speak English?

This phrase is polite and safe for most situations. If you say this with a smile, people will understand right away what you mean.

Example:

👩 Foreigner: 영어 할 줄 알아요?
= Do you speak English?

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How to Say “Do You Speak English in Korean”

There’s more than one way to say this, depending on who you’re speaking to. Another common version is:

영어 해요?
(yeongeo haeyo?)
= Do you speak English?

This version is shorter and easier for beginners.

Example:

👨 Local: 영어 해요?
= Do you speak English?

Watch this short story video to see Do You Speak English in Korean in action

How to Ask “Do You Speak English in Korean” (Polite Approach)

When asking strangers, it’s best to soften your tone. Koreans often add the word 혹시 (by any chance):

혹시 영어 하실 수 있으세요?
(hoksi yeongeo hasil su isseuseyo?)
= By any chance, do you speak English?

This version shows extra politeness and sounds gentle.

“Excuse Me, Do You Speak English in Korean?”

Before asking a stranger, it’s polite to start with 실례합니다 (excuse me).

실례합니다. 영어 하세요?
(sillyehamnida. yeongeo haseyo?)
= Excuse me, do you speak English?

Example:

👩 Foreigner: 실례합니다. 영어 하세요?
= Excuse me, do you speak English?

This feels respectful and is perfect for public places like stations or shops.

“Can You Speak English in Korean?”

Sometimes you want to ask if someone can speak English, not just if they usually do. For that, you can say:

영어 할 수 있어요?
(yeongeo hal su isseoyo?)
= Can you speak English?

This phrase is useful when you’re hoping the other person has some ability to help.

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“Do You Know English in Korean?”

If you want to check whether someone knows English at all, you can ask:

영어 알아요?
(yeongeo arayo?)
= Do you know English?

This is simple and friendly, though it’s not as common as “영어 해요?”.

“Do You Understand English in Korean?”

Another helpful phrase is:

영어 이해해요?
(yeongeo ihae haeyo?)
= Do you understand English?

This is great if you’ve already spoken some English and want to check if they understood.

Example:

👨 Foreigner: 영어 이해해요?
= Do you understand English?

Do You Speak English in Korean (Polite Version)

The polite version is best for talking to strangers:

영어 하실 수 있으세요?
(yeongeo hasil su isseuseyo?)

This form shows respect and works in everyday situations like asking directions or shopping.

Do You Speak English in Korean (Informal Version)

If you’re talking to a friend or someone younger, you can use the informal form:

영어 해?
(yeongeo hae?)
= Do you speak English?

This is casual and should only be used with people you’re close to.

Do You Speak English in Korean (Formal Version)

For very respectful situations, such as speaking with elders or in an official setting, use:

영어 하십니까?
(yeongeo hasimnikka?)
= Do you speak English?

This version sounds professional and is suitable when you want to be extra polite.

Comparing All Versions

Here’s a quick overview of how the level of speech changes:

Why These Phrases Matter

In Korea, the level of politeness in your speech really matters. Using the right version of “Do you speak English in Korean” shows cultural awareness and helps you get a warmer response.

• Use formal when showing high respect.
• Use polite with strangers.
• Use informal only with friends.

Extra Beginner Tips

If someone answers “네, 조금요” (Yes, a little), it usually means they can help a bit but not fluently.

If they say “아니요” (No), they probably don’t speak English at all.

Koreans often feel shy about their English skills, so even if they know some, they may hesitate.

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Original Korean Sentence
사자가 코끼리를 잡아요.

Pronunciation Guide
사자가 (sa-ja-ga) 코끼리를 (ko-ggi-ri-reul) 자바요 (ja-ba-yo).

English Translation
The lion catches the elephant.

Literal Translation
Lion catch elephant.

Quick Reference
사자가 (lion) 코끼리를 (elephant) 잡아요 (catch).

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FAQs (What You Might Still Wonder About)

Final words

Knowing how to ask “Do you speak English in Korean?” can be your best tool when traveling. From polite to informal to formal, each version has its place.

With phrases you learned in your pocket, you’ll feel more confident and ready to explore Korea. Don’t worry if your pronunciation isn’t perfect—Koreans will appreciate the effort!