estoy hablando
/estoi ablando/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "I am talking" is expressed as estoy hablando.
The phrase estoy hablando is a statement used to say that the speaker is currently in the process of speaking.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the first-person singular present of estar (to be) and the gerund of hablar (to talk or speak).
Which one should you use?
While estoy hablando emphasizes the ongoing nature of the action happening right now, the simple present hablo can also be used to mean "I am talking" depending on the context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico and some Central American countries, Estoy platicando is used instead of Estoy charlando or Estoy hablando.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the progressive construction with the auxiliary verb estar to indicate an action currently in progress.
Did you know?
- In Spain, if someone is hablando por los codos, it means they are talking incessantly, which literally translates to 'talking through the elbows'.
- While estoy hablando describes the act of speaking, the expression hablar en plata is used when someone wants to stop beating around the bush and 'speak in silver' or talk plainly.
- While hablar means 'to speak', the related word habladurías refers specifically to gossip or idle chatter and is often used to describe neighborhood rumors.
Examples in context
- Estoy hablando con Tom.I am talking with Tom.This sentence shows how to use estoy hablando to indicate who you are talking with.Tatoeba #1365372 by marcelostockle, translation #255281 by CK
- Le estoy hablando a mi hermana.I am talking to my sister.Tatoeba #1661409 by marcelostockle, translation #1661096 by Amastan
- Párese cuando le estoy hablando.Stand up when I am talking to you.This sentence uses estoy hablando to show an action occurring while another command is given.Tatoeba #2471935 by marcelostockle, translation #1728508 by belgavox
- El profesor dijo: "Estoy hablando sobre la historia del arte"The professor said, "I am talking about art history"
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel is on the phone and Maria enters the room.
- DanielEspera un momento, estoy hablando por teléfono.Wait a moment, I am talking on the phone.
- MaríaLo siento, no sabía que estabas ocupado.I'm sorry, I didn't know you were busy.
- DanielNo pasa nada, ya casi termino.It's okay, I'm almost finished.
- MaríaEstá bien, Daniel, te espero aquí.That's fine, Daniel, I'll wait for you here.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
