hablar bien
/ablaɾ bjen/from spelling rules
To speak good in Spanish is hablar bien.
To be able to communicate effectively or fluently in a language.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase uses the adverb bien (well) to modify the verb hablar (to speak).
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase conjugates based on the subject. For example, use hablo bien to say 'I speak well' and habla bien to say 'he/she/it speaks well'.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying hablar bueno. English speakers often mistakenly use the adjective bueno instead of the adverb bien when trying to express that someone speaks well.
Did you know?
- Spanish uses the specific noun labia to describe a type of 'good speaking' used to manipulate or persuade others.
- While hablar bien denotes fluency, the phrase hablar bonito describes someone who speaks in a charming or flirtatious way.
- In formal contexts, hablar bien can mean to speak highly of someone or praise them to others.
Examples in context
- Es importante que aprendas a hablar correctamente el español.It is important that you learn to speak Spanish correctly.
- El político se expresa de forma muy elocuente en sus discursos.The politician expresses himself very eloquently in his speeches.
- ¡Tú hablas muy bien! No se nota que no eres nativo.You speak very well! It's not noticeable that you're not a native speaker.
- Mi hermana ha logrado dominar el español después de varios años de estudio.My sister has managed to master Spanish after several years of study.
- Ella sabe hablar bien el inglés.She knows how to speak English well.
- Necesito hablar bien con mi jefe.I need to speak well with my boss.
- Él quiere hablar bien el francés.He wants to speak French fluently.
Example conversation
Elena and Javier are discussing their language skills.
- ElenaJavier, ¿puedes hablar bien italiano?Javier, can you speak Italian well?
- JavierNo, pero quiero hablar bien algún día.No, but I want to speak it well someday.
- ElenaYo puedo ayudarte a practicar.I can help you practice.
- Javier¡Muchas gracias, Elena!Thank you very much, Elena!
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
