parlare
/parˈla.re/
To speak in Italian is parlare.
The verb parlare is used to describe the act of speaking or the ability to communicate in a specific language. If you want to indicate that you are speaking with someone, follow the verb with the preposition con, such as in parlare con Maria. It is also related to the noun gergo, which refers to specific jargon or terminology.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
Which one should you use?
parlare is a general term for speaking or talking, whereas dire is more specific, meaning to say or to tell.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
parlare is a regular -are verb. In the present tense, its forms follow the standard pattern: parlo, parli, parla, parliamo, parlate and parlano.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /parˈla.re/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- The phrase parlare tra i denti means 'to speak between the teeth' and describes the act of muttering or complaining under one's breath.
- In Italian, using the reflexive form parlarsi can imply a specific relationship, such as non ci parliamo più meaning two people are no longer on speaking terms after a fight.
- Parlare is an ancestor of the English word 'parley', which refers to a discussion between enemies to reach an agreement.
Examples in context
- So parlare un po'.I can speak a little.This sentence is useful for expressing how much of a language you can use with parlare.Tatoeba #4490138 by Guybrush88, translation #2430519 by User5120
- Tu non devi parlare.You don't have to speak.This sentence uses parlare to express an obligation not to speak.Tatoeba #2962864 by Guybrush88, translation #2283656 by CK
- Io gli devo parlare.I've got to speak to him.This sentence shows how to use parlare to express the need to speak to someone.Tatoeba #4176556 by Guybrush88, translation #1941223 by Spamster
- Parla italiano?Do you speak Italian?
- Desidero conversare con il direttoreI would like to speak with the manager.
- Abbiamo discusso di questioni importantiWe have spoken about important matters.
- Mi piace chiacchierare con gli amiciI like to speak with friends.
- Sbrigati a parlare, cosa vuoi dire?Hurry up and speak, what do you want to say?
- Buongiorno, parla inglese?Good morning, do you speak English?
- Ciao, parli italiano?Hi, do you speak Italian?
- 1658 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Francesco are studying at a language school.
- MartinaFrancesco, riesci a parlare l'italiano?Francesco, can you speak Italian?
- FrancescoSì, ma parlo solo un po'.Yes, but I only speak a little.
- MartinaTi aiuterò io a parlare meglio.I will help you speak better.
- FrancescoGrazie mille, Martina!Thanks a lot, Martina!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speak” translations and entries parlare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
