parler
/paʁ.le/
In French, the English phrase 'speaking' is represented by parler.
parler refers to the act of communicating vocally. Depending on the context, you might use more specific informal expressions to describe different types of communication, such as Je cause for chatting or talking, Je papote for chit-chatting or On bavarde for 'we're chatting'.
Meaning: the act of communicating vocally (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
Parler is widely used and understood throughout the French-speaking world.
How does it change in a sentence?
The default form parler is the infinitive, which translates to 'to speak'. Other forms include parle, which is the present tense conjugation for the first person singular (je), third person singular (il/elle/on) and can also be the imperative form. The form parlé is the past participle, used to form compound tenses like the passé composé.
How do you pronounce it?
/paʁ.le/
Did you know?
- The root of parler is actually the word for 'parable'. It comes from the Greek 'parabolḗ', meaning a comparison or an illustration used to teach a lesson.
- While parler is the standard verb, the phrase avoir la parole is used to describe the right or opportunity to speak in a formal setting, literally meaning 'to have the speech'.
- While parler is the standard term, using the verb causer can change your social perception. In many parts of France, it can make the speaker sound more rustic or rural.
Examples in context
- Ziri se mit à parler.Ziri started speaking.This sentence shows how to use parler to indicate the start of speaking.Tatoeba #11034236 by Amastan, translation #10210494 by Amastan
- Elle continua à parler.She went on speaking.This sentence demonstrates the continuation of the act of parler.Tatoeba #4758410 by sacredceltic, translation #317518 by CK
- Sami a du mal à parler.Sami is having trouble speaking.This sentence illustrates someone having difficulty with parler.Tatoeba #6383223 by Scorpionvenin14, translation #6382800 by OsoHombre
- Je parleI speak
- Je parle françaisI speak French
- Je veux pratiquer mon français en parlant avec vousI want to practice my French by speaking with you
- Il parle couramment l'anglaisHe speaks English fluently
- Parlez-vous français?Do you speak French?
- Tu causes souvent avec tes amis?Do you often chat with your friends?
- Oui, je papote beaucoup avec eux.Yes, I chit-chat a lot with them.
- 187 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Manon and Hugo are at a café.
- ManonTu aimes parler avec les gens ?Do you like speaking with people?
- HugoOui, j'adore parler toute la journée.Yes, I love speaking all day.
- ManonHugo, tu parles trop vite !Hugo, you are speaking too fast!
- HugoDésolé, je vais essayer de ralentir.Sorry, I will try to slow down.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry 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.
