Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hablar | /aˈblaɾ/ |
| conversar | /kombeɾˈsaɾ/ |
| paular | /paulaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| fablar | /faˈblaɾ/ |
| fabular | /fabuˈlaɾ/ |
| chamullar | /t͡ʃamuˈʝaɾ/ |
The most general and widely used term for the act of talking or speaking is hablar. Other forms like conversar or dialogar are used when you want to emphasize a specific type of interaction, such as a deliberate or extended exchange.
Which one should you use?
While hablar is the standard, neutral verb for the general act of speaking, conversar is more specific and implies a back-and-forth exchange or a conversation. Dialogar can also be used to emphasize a more formal or deliberate conversation.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In much of Latin America, platicar is a common and informal way to say talk. In Spain and various Latin American countries, charlar is a popular informal option. In some Latin American countries, particularly Mexico, the slang term cotorrear is used to mean talk or chat.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form of hablar is hablo, which means 'I talk' or 'I speak'.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈblaɾ/
Did you know?
- The verb hablar is used in the phrase hablar por los codos, which literally means 'to talk through one's elbows'.
- The modern verb hablar actually shares a common ancestor with the English word 'fable'. Both come from the Latin root for 'story' or 'speech'.
- The word charlar shares a root with the English word 'charlatan', describing someone who talks a lot but says nothing of value.
Examples in context
- Tom va a hablar.Tom will talk.This sentence shows the use of hablar to express a future action.Tatoeba #4524940 by cueyayotl, translation #2215735 by CK
- No le gusta hablar.He doesn't like to talk.This sentence uses hablar to express a lack of preference.Tatoeba #9287400 by Javea, translation #9806495 by DJ_Saidez
- Yo hablaré sobre ti.I'll talk about you.This sentence uses hablar to indicate a subject of conversation.Tatoeba #2824714 by cueyayotl, translation #2796603 by Alkrasnov
- Necesito hablar contigoI need to talk to you
- Podemos hablar mañanaWe can talk tomorrow
- Es importante dialogar sobre este temaIt is important to talk about this subject
- Los líderes deben dialogar para encontrar solucionesLeaders must talk to find solutions
- Vamos a conversar sobre nuestras metasLet's talk about our goals
- Me encanta conversar con personas interesantesI love talking to interesting people
- ¿Podemos platicar un rato?Can we chat for a while?
- Nos gusta platicar de nuestras experienciasWe enjoy talking about our experiences
- Vamos a charlar sobre el partido de fútbolLet's talk about the football match
- Me gusta charlar contigoI like chatting with you
- Vamos a cotorrear en el caféLet's chat at the cafe
- Mis amigos y yo nos cotorreamos muchoMy friends and I chat a lot
- El profesor quiere hablar contigo sobre tus deberesThe teacher wants to talk to you about your homework.
- Hoy tengo tiempo para platicar contigo sobre nuestras vacacionesToday, I have time to chat with you about our vacation.
- 964 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Mateo and Lucía are at a cafe.
- MateoLucía, ¿podemos hablar un momento?Lucía, can we talk for a moment?
- LucíaSí, Mateo, dime qué pasa.Yes, Mateo, tell me what is happening.
- MateoQuiero hablar sobre el viaje.I want to talk about the trip.
- LucíaEstá bien, hablemos ahora.Okay, let's talk now.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “talk” translations and entries hablar, conversar, fablar, fabular, chamullar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries conversar, hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
