Do you speak Italian?
'Parli' = PAR-lee; stress on the first syllable. This is the tu-form of 'parlare' — no pronoun needed.
Ask when it is unclear whether the person speaks Italian — for example, if you meet someone who appears foreign or is speaking to you in another language. Also useful when you want to decide which language to use.
In Italian, the subject pronoun 'tu' is usually dropped because the verb ending already shows who is speaking. 'Parli' = you speak/do you speak. The question is understood from context and intonation.
Sai parlare italiano?
Can you speak Italian?
'Sapere' is used for learned abilities — a natural alternative to 'parlare' alone.
Stai imparando l'italiano?
Are you learning Italian?
More encouraging — implies you noticed their Italian and are curious.
Da quanto tempo studi l'italiano?
How long have you been studying Italian?
Skip straight to this if you already know they speak some Italian.
Italians are genuinely impressed and touched when foreigners make an effort to speak Italian. Even a basic attempt is met with encouragement and warmth — never mockery.