Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| conversar | /kombeɾˈsaɾ/ |
| prosear | /pɾoseaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| hablar | /aˈblaɾ/ |
The verb is used to describe engaging in a back-and-forth exchange or a meaningful discussion. Related nouns include conversación for the act of conversation itself, while revés and contrario refer to the opposite of something. If you are discussing a proposition of a specific form, you might use recíproca, inversa or sentido inverso.
Which one should you use?
While hablar is the common, general term for the act of speaking or talking, conversar implies a more deliberate and meaningful exchange. For a more casual sense of 'chatting', you can use the informal terms charlar or platicar.
Is it said differently in some regions?
Platicar is an informal verb used mainly in Latin America to mean 'chat'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
When expressing the idea of conversing with someone, you must use the preposition con after the verb, as in conversar con.
How do you pronounce it?
/kombeɾˈsaɾ/
Did you know?
- While conversar describes a meaningful exchange, the term charlar is etymologically related to the sound of 'chirping' birds, reflecting its light and breezy nature.
- The word plática can mean a casual 'chat' in Mexico, but in Spain it often refers to a formal lecture or a religious sermon.
- The Spanish verb hablar is a linguistic cousin to the English word 'fable', because both come from the Latin word for 'chatting' or 'telling stories'.
Examples in context
- Fue agradable conversar con ella.It was nice to converse with her.This sentence shows how to use conversar to express that it was pleasant to talk with someone.Tatoeba #1424521 by peibolvig, translation #749488 by Serhiy
- Los pasajeros no deberán conversar con el conductor mientras el bus está en movimiento.Passengers shall not converse with the driver while the bus is in motion.This sentence uses conversar to illustrate a rule about not talking to a driver while a bus is moving.Tatoeba #1591039 by teskmon, translation #26577 by orcrist
- Me gustaría hablar contigo sobre un asunto importante.I would like to converse with you about an important matter.
- Fue un placer conversar contigo durante la reunión.It was a pleasure to converse with you during the meeting.
- Vamos a charlar un rato en el café.Let's have a chat at the café.
- Nos juntamos para platicar sobre nuestros viajes.We got together to chat about our trips.
- Me gusta conversar con mis vecinos por la tarde.I like to converse with my neighbors in the afternoon.
Example conversation
María and Javier are meeting for coffee.
- MaríaHola Javier, ¿tienes tiempo para conversar un rato?Hi Javier, do you have time to converse for a while?
- JavierSí, María. Me encantaría conversar contigo.Yes, María. I would love to converse with you.
- MaríaQuiero contarte sobre mi nuevo trabajo.I want to tell you about my new job.
- JavierPerfecto, cuéntame todo.Perfect, tell me everything.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “converse” translations and entries conversar, hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conversar, hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
