Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| hablante | /aˈblante/ | feminine, masculine |
| parlante | /paɾˈlante/ | feminine, masculine |
The term hablante is used specifically to refer to a person who speaks a language, such as a 'native speaker'. It is not used to describe an electronic device that produces sound.
What does it mean word for word?
The word hablante is a present participle used as a noun, derived from the verb hablar (to speak).
Which one should you use?
While hablante refers to a person who speaks a language, it is not used for an electronic loudspeaker. In some regions, the word parlante is used to refer to a loudspeaker, whereas the standard term for such a device is altavoz.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word hablante is an invariable adjective-noun, meaning it does not change its ending for gender. It is the same for both masculine and feminine subjects.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈblante/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not use hablante to refer to an electronic loudspeaker. Use altavoz or, in certain regions, parlante instead.
Did you know?
- The word parlante shares a distant linguistic ancestor with the English word 'parable', as both can be traced back to the Greek 'paraballō'.
- The term altavoz for a loudspeaker is a compound word that literally means 'high voice'.
- Unlike most Spanish nouns that end in -o or -a to show gender, hablante is an invariable noun that remains the same whether the speaker is a man or a woman.
Examples in context
- No soy hablante nativo.I am not a native speaker.This sentence is useful for stating that you are not a native speaker.Tatoeba #4620976 by cueyayotl, translation #4488738 by emprisdurden
- No soy un hablante nativo.I'm not a native speaker.Tatoeba #9145828 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #4620521 by CK
- ¿Eres un hablante nativo de francés?Are you a native French speaker?This sentence is useful for asking if someone is a native French speaker.Tatoeba #10012062 by manufrutos, translation #10011945 by shekitten
- El orador captó la atención del público con su discurso inspirador.The speaker captured the audience's attention with their inspiring speech.
- El conferencista impartirá una charla sobre el avance tecnológico en la industria.The speaker will give a talk on technological advancements in the industry.
- Los ponentes discutirán temas relevantes en el simposio.The speakers will discuss relevant topics at the symposium.
- El orador en la conferencia era muy entretenido.The speaker at the conference was very entertaining.
- 64 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alejandro and Elena are discussing language learning in a classroom.
- AlejandroElena, ¿eres hablante nativa de inglés?Elena, are you a native speaker of English?
- ElenaNo, soy hablante nativa de español.No, I am a native speaker of Spanish.
- AlejandroYo también soy hablante nativo de español.I am also a native speaker of Spanish.
- ElenaEntonces hablamos el mismo idioma.Then we speak the same language.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speaker” translations and entries hablante, parlante, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hablante, parlante, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
