quiero hablar contigo
/kjeɾo ablaɾ kontiɡo/from spelling rules
The English phrase "I want to talk to you" can be translated into Spanish as quiero hablar contigo.
This phrase is used to express a desire to have a conversation with someone.
What does it mean word for word?
quiero hablar contigo literally translates to "I want to talk with you". The word contigo is a contraction of con (with) and ti (you), meaning "with you".
Which one should you use?
quiero hablar contigo uses the informal tú form, whereas quiero hablar con usted uses the formal usted form.
How does it change in a sentence?
Use quiero hablar con usted instead of quiero hablar contigo when speaking to a superior, an elder or someone you do not know well.
How do you pronounce it?
/kjeɾo ablaɾ kontiɡo/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, starting a conversation with quiero hablar contigo can sound ominous or serious, similar to saying 'we need to talk' in English.
- In some regions, if you want to talk to someone about a problem, you might use the verb discutir, which sounds like 'discuss' but often implies a heated argument.
- The verb hablar evolved from the Old Spanish fablar, where the 'f' sound eventually shifted to a silent 'h'.
Examples in context
- Quiero hablar contigo, Tom.I want to talk to you, Tom.This sentence is useful for addressing someone by name using quiero hablar contigo.Tatoeba #4182900 by Leono, translation #3819452 by CK
- Quiero hablar contigo primero.I want to talk to you first.This sentence shows how to use quiero hablar contigo when indicating priority.Tatoeba #9980751 by manufrutos, translation #3906315 by CH
- Eso es de lo que quiero hablar contigo.That's what I want to talk to you about.This sentence demonstrates how to use quiero hablar contigo to specify a topic of conversation.Tatoeba #4784111 by alegarvid, translation #2033747 by CK
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel finds Lucía alone in the office hallway.
- DanielLucía, quiero hablar contigo.Lucía, I want to talk to you.
- Lucía¿De qué se trata, Daniel?What is it about, Daniel?
- DanielEs sobre el proyecto de mañana.It is about tomorrow's project.
- LucíaEstá bien, dime qué pasa.Alright, tell me what's happening.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries contigo, hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
