parler
/paʁ.le/
To speak in French is parler.
Parler is the standard verb used to express the ability to communicate in a language, often following the construction parler + [language]. It is also the common verb used to mean 'to talk'. You can also use the term jargon to refer to specific terminology or jargon.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, Canada, the verb causer is frequently used to mean 'speak' or 'chat'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The verb parler has several present indicative forms: parle is the first-person singular, parles is the second-person singular and parlent is the third-person plural. You may also encounter the expression parler franglais, which means to mix both French and English while speaking.
How do you pronounce it?
The two syllables are pronounced /paʁ.le/.
What mistakes should you avoid?
If you want to describe someone who speaks poorly or makes many mistakes, use the informal expression parler comme une vache espagnole.
Did you know?
- In formal French settings, it is common to use the phrase prendre la parole, which literally means 'to take the speech', to indicate that someone is starting to speak in a meeting or debate.
- The verb parler shares a surprising ancestral link with the English word 'parable', as both stem from the Greek word for 'comparison' or 'parallel' through the Latin 'parabola'.
- The word parler is the root of the English word 'parley', referring to a discussion between opposing sides to reach an agreement.
Examples in context
- Je dois te parler.I've got to speak to you.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to speak to someone.Tatoeba #1941763 by sacredceltic, translation #1941221 by Spamster
- Je dois lui parler.I've got to speak to him.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to speak to him.Tatoeba #1941755 by sacredceltic, translation #1941223 by Spamster
- Je dois vous parler.I need to speak to you.This sentence is useful for expressing the need to speak to you.Tatoeba #1941759 by sacredceltic, translation #2387737 by CK
- Je parle français couramment.I speak French fluently.
- Il s'exprime avec clarté et précision.He expresses himself clearly and precisely.
- Nous devons communiquer notre opinion lors de la réunion.We must voice our opinion during the meeting.
- Viens, on va causer un peu.Come on, let's have a little chat.
- J'aime bien papoter avec mes amis.I like to chat with my friends.
- 1231 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel meet for the first time at a party.
- EmmaEst-ce que tu peux parler anglais ?Can you speak English?
- GabrielOui, je peux parler anglais et espagnol.Yes, I can speak English and Spanish.
- EmmaC'est super, je veux parler espagnol aussi.That's great, I want to speak Spanish too.
- GabrielJe peux t'aider à parler cette langue.I can help you speak this language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speak” translations and entries parler, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
