How To Say You 'Sort Of'/'Kind Of' Speak French (In French)

Instead of just saying "I speak a little French" or "some French", a more native-like response is "I sorta speak French".

Or "I kinda speak French".

There are several different ways to convey this in French. The most common is: En quelque sorte (literally means "In some sort...").

Read on and I'll share some other options.

General expressions for "sort of" or "kind of"

In addition to en quelque sorte, you can also say these which convey the same idea:

• Plus ou moins - More or less
• À peu près - Approximately
• D'une certaine manière - In a certain way
• Grosso modo - Roughly speaking
• Comme ci comme ça - So-so
• Comme qui dirait - As one might say

These phrases are great for general use, but if someone asks you, "Parlez-vous français?" (Do you speak French?), and you want to say you "sort of" speak it, below are some colloquial responses you can use.

Ways to say you "sorta" speak French

This is a common and friendly way to say you're not fluent but can manage. It's a favorite of mine!

Simple and to the point.

This implies you know the basics.

A self-deprecating way to say you're trying, even if it's not perfect.

Humble and honest.

Slang for saying you don't speak much French.

Similar to the first one but specifies the language.

Uses one of our general expressions in context.

Accompanied with a shrug, this shows effort and adds a bit of humor.

Rude ways to say it

Here are some colloquial and profane ways to express that you don't speak French well.

Use these carefully (or not at all!).

Next time someone asks if you speak French, you'll have a variety of phrases to choose from that convey just the right 'sorta', 'kinda' vibe.

À bientôt! (See you soon!)

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