English qestion!?

Question

My first language is Japanse. Please teach me the difference of the meaning between I can't speak English . AND I don't speak English.

Which expression do you usually use?
What is the defference of the meaning in detail?

thanx in advance

Answer 1

I CAN'T means you really can't
I DON'T means you can but chose not to

If you say "I don't speak English" you are wrong because you just did speak English

Say "I can't speak English" to tell someone you don't understand English like I tell everyone here in Nagano "Nihongo wakarimasen"

Good luck

Answer 2

Well, it seems pretty clear from your answers that if you're talking to an American you should NOT say "I DON'T speak English!"!!!

If you're talking to a British person it's not so important though. For myself, as a Briton, I wouldn't think that "I don't speak English!" meant that you knew how, but didn't want to! I would think it meant you had never TRIED to learn!

But either way, if you use "can't" it implies that you have been trying to learn, or you are currently trying to learn, but that you don't know enough to have a sensible conversation!

So the most useful expression in any English speaking country is "I can't speak English."! That should avoid any misunderstandings..!
; )

Answer 3

In British English we would normally say "I can't speak" this or that language (not English in our case, obviously), in the same way as we would say "I can't play the piano" or "I can't drive a car", meaning we don't know how to do these things.

"I don't speak" might be the more normal American usage but I'm not sure.

In any case both forms will be understood by anyone who can/does speak English.

Answer 4

usually means the same.ypor message would get through


if you analyze it further..

the first one means you would very much like to speak english ,but unable to do so because of some reason.. the reason may be "you dont know enough" or you are banned from speaking it.


the second expression means that you dont speak english out of your own will.maaybe you hate the language,

Answer 5

"I can't speak english" means you literally cannot speak the language, and "I don't speak english" can mean the same, but it could also be used to say that you choose not to speak english. Personally I don't use the phrase because I do speak it lol

Answer 6

I cant speak english means you are not able to speak it because of some reason, so your reason is solid that you are japanesse. I dont speak English means you maybe know English but just dont want to talk in English.

Answer 7

I can't speak English and I don't speak english is pretty much the same.
The difference is too subtle.. and it's not important to differentiate them. Normally, i just say "I can't speak english."
but it only a matter of preference.

Eigo o hanasukoto ga dekimasen.. hehehe is that right?

Answer 8

Usually used: I don't speak English.

The difference? Very little. Both are saying that you do not know it fluently and it's not your first language. But can't just implies a little more laziness. "Can't" is a word used by people who give up easily where "don't" is used by someone who says I haven't learned this yet.

It's merely my opinion, not fact that is true for all people who read this question.

Answer 9

whe you say
i don't speak in english
it means that you don't want to speak english
or you have no will and you hate to speak english

when you say
i can't speak english
it means that you do not know how to speak english, but you still
can speak english a little bit (you just did so)

Answer 10

i can't speak english would refer to not being able to speak english either ever or in a particular situation when other people would understand what you are saying and you don't want them to.
i don't speak engish means that you don't know english, yet.
i think i don't speak english would be the one you would use.