How speak English? For general English ability

If someone asks 'how speak English', they might be asking about how to learn English. It's important to ask this question well, so here are two conversations contrasting the incorrect question 'how speak English' with a more correct version.

Example of a incorrect English:

- Excuse, how speak English?
- I'm sorry. What did you say?
- Sorry, me English no good. How speak English?
- Oh, I understand.

Example of correct English:

- Excuse me. How can I learn to speak English?
- There are many ways. You should go online.
- I'm sorry. My English isn't very good. Could you repeat that?
- Certainly, you should go online to study English.
- Thank you.
- You're welcome.

Here are some other phrases which can help:

How can I learn to speak English?

How should I learn to speak English?

Help to Learn English

You have found this page because you want to learn English. 

How speak English? - For pronunciation

Sometimes, the phrase 'how speak English' refers to pronunciation. In this case, there are also a few questions you can ask. Once again, here are two conversations contrasting the incorrection question 'how speak English' with a more appropriate version.

Example of a incorrect English:

- Excuse, how speak English 'university'?
- I'm sorry I don't understand the question.
- I no speak correct 'university'. How say university?
- Oh, you would like the correct pronunciation.
- Yes!
- It's university.

Example of correct English:

- Excuse me, how do you pronounce this word? (shows word on a sheet of paper)
- That's pronounced 'university'.
- University, university. Is that correct?
- Yes, that's good!
- Thank you for your help.
- My pleasure.

Here are some other phrases which can help:

How do you say ...?
Can you help me with the pronunciation of ...?

If you searched for 'how speak English' because you would like to learn better pronunciation. Here are some pages which can help:

Speaking Strategies for English Learners
How to Improve Your Pronunciation
Pronunciation and Conversation Skills>

What if I make the mistake?

Don't worry. It's important to try to learn correct English when asking these basic questions. It's much more important that you are trying to learn English. Now you know not to ask 'how speak English' but 'How should I learn English?' or 'How do I pronounce this word?' You are well on your way to learning English!