What languages do you speak?
'Lingue' = LEEN-gweh — the 'gu' is soft, like in 'language'. Don't add an extra syllable.
Very natural when meeting someone with a foreign background or in a multilingual context like a language school, expat group, or international workplace. Also great to open conversation about language learning journeys.
'Lingue' is the plural of 'lingua' (language/tongue). The question 'Che lingue parli?' uses 'che' as an interrogative adjective meaning 'what/which.' This is a great conversation starter that can go in many directions.
Quante lingue parli?
How many languages do you speak?
Focuses on quantity rather than which languages.
Oltre all'italiano, parli altre lingue?
Besides Italian, do you speak other languages?
Starts from the assumption that Italian is one of them.
Sei poliglotta?
Are you a polyglot?
More impressive-sounding — use when someone is clearly multilingual.
Many Italians speak a regional dialect alongside standard Italian, though fewer younger generations are fluent in dialect. Asking about dialect can be a wonderful way to connect with older Italians.