conversación
/kombeɾsaˈθjon/feminine
The English word conversation is translated into Spanish as conversación. Wiktionary also lists conversa.
Meaning: expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| conversación | /kombeɾsaˈθjon/ /kombeɾsaˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| conversa | /komˈbeɾsa/ | colloquial, feminine |
This noun refers to the expression and exchange of individual ideas through talking with other people.
Which one should you use?
While conversación is the standard term, you may encounter conversa, which is a colloquial shortening of the word.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
For more formal or scripted exchanges, such as those found in plays, literature or formal speeches, the word diálogo is often used. In relaxed, informal settings, particularly in Mexican dialects, you might hear plática. If you are using Mexican slang to describe a very lively and informal conversation, you can use cotorreo.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexican Spanish, plática is commonly used for a relaxed conversation and the slang term cotorreo is used for a lively, informal one.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun conversación is feminine and requires feminine articles such as la or una.
How do you pronounce it?
/kombeɾsaˈθjon/
Did you know?
- The Mexican slang cotorreo comes from cotorra, which means 'parrot'. It describes a conversation as if the participants are chattering like birds.
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, a conversación often begins with a long period of social lubrication called sobremesa, where people talk for hours at the table after the meal has ended.
- The English word 'conversation' and the Spanish conversación share the same ancient Proto-Indo-European ancestor, meaning 'to turn'.
Examples in context
- Sami terminó la conversación.Sami ended the conversation.This sentence shows how to use conversación to describe the end of a discussion.Tatoeba #7964644 by Seael, translation #6359957 by OsoHombre
- Dieron cabo a la conversación.They put an end to the conversation.This sentence illustrates the phrase for putting an end to a conversación.Tatoeba #2259604 by cueyayotl, translation #2259603 by _undertoad
- No participé en la conversación.I didn't take part in the conversation.This sentence demonstrates how to say one did not participate in a conversación.Tatoeba #1696536 by termito2nd, translation #29006 by CK
- Tuve una conversación muy interesante con el director de la empresaI had a very interesting conversation with the company's director
- El diálogo entre los dos líderes políticos fue muy productivoThe dialogue between the two political leaders was very productive
- Tuvimos una plática sobre el futuro de la compañíaWe had a conversation about the future of the company
- Tuvimos una charla amistosa en el parqueWe had a friendly conversation in the park
- Tuvimos una plática muy interesante en la fiestaWe had a very interesting conversation at the party
- Nos echamos un buen cotorreo en el bar anocheWe had a great conversation at the bar last night
- ¿Podemos tener una conversación sobre el proyecto mañana?Can we have a conversation about the project tomorrow?
- Me encantaría entablar un diálogo contigo acerca de nuestras metas profesionalesI would love to engage in a dialogue with you about our professional goals
- Vamos a tener una charla en el café para discutir los detalles del viajeWe're going to have a talk at the café to discuss the details of the trip
- Ayer tuvimos una plática muy emotiva sobre nuestra infanciaYesterday we had a very emotional conversation about our childhood
- La plática que tuve con mi amigo fue de lo más divertidaThe conversation I had with my friend was really fun
- 79 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Javier are talking about a meeting they had.
- LucíaLa conversación con el jefe fue muy corta.The conversation with the boss was very short.
- JavierSí, pero fue una conversación muy útil.Yes, but it was a very useful conversation.
- LucíaTengo que continuar la conversación mañana.I have to continue the conversation tomorrow.
- JavierEspero que tengas buena suerte, Lucía.I hope you have good luck, Lucía.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “conversation” translations and entries conversación, conversa, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conversación, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
