Feifei Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain expressions used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them, too! I’m Feifei, and I’m joined by Georgie. Hello.
Georgie Hello, Feifei. How are you?
Feifei I’m very well, thank you, Georgie. Now, did you see there’s a new sushi restaurant that’s just opened near the office? Do you fancy going there for lunch?
Georgie Wow, Feifei. You are speaking my language! I love sushi.
Feifei Me too. Now speaking someone’s language is what we’re learning in this programme. What did you mean by it, Georgie?
Georgie Well, ‘you’re speaking my language’ means something similar to ‘I love that idea’ or ‘I completely agree’. So, in my case, it means that I liked your suggestion about the sushi restaurant. You said something that I wanted to hear.
Feifei Well, that’s because I know you like sushi. Now you can say ‘she’s speaking his language’ or ‘I’m speaking your language’, but it would be quite rare. The most frequent form to use would be ‘you’re speaking my language’.
Georgie Yes. And that is because it’s often said in the moment as a response to something a person has said which you really connect with. Let’s hear some more examples.
Examples You booked that concert already? You’re really speaking my language.
My husband suggested going to the zoo at the weekend and I said, “Now you’re speaking my language – I’d love that!”
Free chocolate? Now you’re speaking my language!
Feifei I know an expression that has a similar meaning to ‘speak someone’s language’. Do you know the one I’m thinking of?
Georgie No, I don’t, Feifei. Can you share it with us?
Feifei It’s ’to be on the same wavelength’, which means to think in a similar way. So, for example, we both like the idea of having sushi for lunch. We are on the same wavelength.
Georgie That is a good one. Now, Feifei, I need a coffee, so shall we recap and then have a quick break from work?
Feifei Ah, you’re speaking my language! We learned the idiom ‘speak someone’s language’, which means you like and connect with what someone has said. Thanks for joining us.
Georgie Goodbye.
Feifei Bye-bye!