habla
/ˈabla/feminine
The English phrase "speaking" is habla in Spanish. Wiktionary also lists fabla (disused).
Meaning: the act of communicating vocally (noun)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| habla | /ˈabla/ | feminine |
| fabla (disused) | feminine |
habla refers to the act of communicating vocally. In casual contexts within Latin America, people often use platicando to express "speaking". Additionally, conversando is frequently used to mean "speaking" in Spain and parts of Latin America.
Which one should you use?
While habla can mean "speaking" or "speech", adding the definite article to form el habla is often used when referring to the linguistic phenomenon of speech or the abstract faculty of speech.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word habla also serves as the second-person singular imperative form of the verb hablar, which is used to command someone you address as tú to "speak!"
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈabla/
Did you know?
- In some Spanish-speaking cultures, the phrase hablar por los codos describes someone who speaks excessively. It literally translates to 'speaking through the elbows'.
- The word habla shares a common ancestor with the English word 'fable' through the Latin term fābula, meaning a story or discourse.
- The obsolete form fabla was used in Old Spanish before the initial 'f' sound shifted to a silent 'h'. This is why many Spanish words that once started with 'f' now start with 'h'.
Examples in context
- Tom dejó de hablar.Tom stopped speaking.This sentence shows the use of habla in the context of stopping an action.Tatoeba #4524942 by cueyayotl, translation #2238791 by CK
- Hablaba con tu amigo.I was speaking with your friend.This sentence demonstrates the use of habla to describe an ongoing action.Tatoeba #2978652 by Seael, translation #2978651 by CK
- Habla el señor Suzuki.This is Mr Suzuki speaking.This sentence illustrates how habla is used when identifying a speaker.Tatoeba #1540085 by marcelostockle, translation #326105 by sundown
- Estoy hablando con el cliente.I am speaking with the client.
- Estoy diciendo la verdad.I am speaking the truth.
- Estamos platicando sobre nuestras vacaciones.We are speaking about our vacations.
- Estamos charlando sobre el partido de fútbol.We are speaking about the soccer match.
- Estamos conversando acerca del proyecto.We are speaking about the project.
- 288 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are discussing a language class.
- DanielMe gusta mucho tu habla.I really like your speaking.
- ElenaGracias, Daniel, pero debo practicar más.Thank you, Daniel, but I must practice more.
- DanielLa habla es la parte más difícil.Speaking is the hardest part.
- ElenaTienes razón, Elena está de acuerdo.You are right, Elena agrees.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speaking” translations and entries habla, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries fabla, habla, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
