Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| discurso | /disˈkuɾso/ | masculine |
| alocución | /alokuˈθjon/ /alokuˈsjon/ |
feminine |
| soflama | /soˈflama/ | feminine |
The term discurso refers to an oration or a session of speaking. It can be used to describe a formal oration or the more general concept of discourse and a way of speaking.
Which one should you use?
While discurso is a general term for a speech, alocución refers specifically to a shorter, more formal address or announcement. Additionally, soflama is a form provided for speech.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In some countries, exposición may be used instead of discurso to mean a speech. In Latin America, plática is frequently used to describe a speech or talk in a casual context.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of discurso is discursos, and the plural form of alocución is alocuciones.
How do you pronounce it?
/disˈkuɾso/
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid using habla (which refers to the act of speaking) when you actually mean a formal discurso.
Did you know?
- The word discurso shares its roots with the English word 'discourse', both stemming from the Latin 'discurrere', which literally means 'to run about' or 'to run to and fro'.
- In certain formal settings, the term discurso can also refer to a political or ideological 'line' or 'platform' that a party follows.
- The word alocución is used for very specific high-level official addresses, such as those given by a head of state to a nation.
Examples in context
- Tom dio un discurso.Tom gave a speech.This sentence is useful for showing how to say someone gave a speech using discurso.Tatoeba #1634650 by marcelostockle, translation #1094032 by CK
- ¿Debo dar un discurso?Do I have to make a speech?This sentence is useful for asking a question about making a speech using discurso.Tatoeba #2758282 by marcelostockle, translation #246619 by Eldad
- Su discurso me aburrió.His speech bored me.This sentence is useful for describing how a speech affected someone using discurso.Tatoeba #1590152 by teskmon, translation #285363 by CH
- El presidente dio un discurso inspirador sobre el futuro del país.The president gave an inspiring speech about the country's future.
- Mi amiga ganó el concurso de oratoria con un discurso convincente.My friend won the public speaking contest with a convincing speech.
- Mi hermano dio una charla interesante sobre sus experiencias de viaje.My brother gave an interesting speech about his travel experiences.
- 107 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
María and Javier are at a wedding reception.
- MaríaJavier, ¿ya terminó el discurso del novio?Javier, is the groom's speech finished already?
- JavierSí, fue un discurso muy emotivo.Yes, it was a very emotional speech.
- MaríaAhora es el turno de mi hermana.Now it is my sister's turn.
- JavierEspero que su discurso sea corto.I hope her speech is short.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “speech” translations and entries discurso, alocución, soflama, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries alocución, discurso, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
