hablar en público
/ablaɾ en publiko/from spelling rules
The English phrase "public speaking" is translated into Spanish as hablar en público.
Hablar en público is used to describe the act of speaking to a group of people in a structured manner. While English uses the gerund phrase "public speaking," Spanish typically uses this infinitive phrase to serve the same function.
Meaning: speaking to a group of people in a structured manner (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the infinitive verb hablar (to speak), the preposition en (in) and the noun público (public).
Did you know?
- The verb hablar shares its roots with the English word 'fable' via the Old Spanish word fablar. Both come from the Latin term for storytelling or chatting.
- A person who excels at hablar en público is often described as having don de palabra, which literally translates to 'the gift of word'.
- In Spanish, the word público is used to describe the audience of a play or concert, whereas in English, 'public' usually refers to the general population.
Examples in context
- Él tiende a evitar cualquier cosa que implique hablar en público.He tends to shy away from anything that involves public speaking.This sentence shows how the phrase is used to describe an activity someone avoids.Tatoeba #2783992 by teskmon, translation #270625 by CM
- No temas hablar en público.Don't be afraid of public speaking.This sentence is useful for expressing encouragement regarding the act of speaking to a group.Tatoeba #863871 by washisnein, translation #843964 by J_S
- La oratoria es una habilidad fundamental para los líderes.Public speaking is a fundamental skill for leaders.
- Me pone nervioso hablar en público.It makes me nervous to speak in public.
- Mañana tengo que dar un discurso en la universidad.Tomorrow I have to give a speech at the university.
- Ella es muy buena para hablar en público.She is very good at public speaking.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Javier are discussing a presentation at work.
- Sofía¿Tienes miedo de hablar en público, Javier?Are you afraid of public speaking, Javier?
- JavierSí, me pongo muy nervioso.Yes, I get very nervous.
- SofíaNo te preocupes, tú puedes hacerlo.Don't worry, you can do it.
- JavierGracias, Sofía, lo intentaré.Thanks, Sofía, I will try.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries en, hablar, público, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
