Ways to say it
| French | IPA |
|---|---|
| parler | /paʁ.le/ |
| bavarder | /ba.vaʁ.de/ |
| s'entretenir |
The primary verb for communicating by speech is parler. You can also use discussion to refer to a conversation or conférence to refer to a lecture. To express the act of starting a conversation, you can use the phrase Engager la conversation, while Tenir une discussion is used for having a discussion.
Which one should you use?
While parler is the neutral, general verb for to talk, bavarder specifically implies chatting or idle talk. For more formal, structured or serious discussions, use the reflexive verb s'entretenir to mean to have a discussion or interview.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In certain informal contexts, especially in France, papoter can be used to mean to talk or chat.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
However, when you 'speak a language', you use the verb directly without a preposition (parler une langue).
Did you know?
- The verb parler is a distant relative of the English word 'parable'. Both originate from the Greek word parabolḗ, which describes the act of comparing two things.
- There is a common French expression parler pour ne rien dire, which translates to 'talking to say nothing'. It is used to describe someone who speaks at length without making a point.
- While parler is the general term for speaking, the informal papoter mimics the sound of quick, repetitive chatting. It is often used to describe a lighthearted gossip session between friends.
Examples in context
- Tu veux parler ?Do you want to talk?This sentence is useful for asking if someone wants to talk using parler.Tatoeba #8984669 by Micsmithel, translation #2011472 by CK
- Arrête de parler !Stop the talk!This sentence is useful for telling someone to stop talking using parler.Tatoeba #899195 by sacredceltic, translation #7357074 by Eccles17
- Il veut te parler.He wants to talk to you.This sentence is useful for saying someone wants to talk to you using parler.Tatoeba #1932711 by sacredceltic, translation #1931974 by Spamster
- Je parle français.I speak French.
- Nous avons conversé pendant des heures.We conversed for hours.
- On a bavardé toute la soirée.We talked all evening.
- Viens, on discute dans le parc.Come, let's talk in the park.
- Elles papotent toute la journée.They chat all day.
- 1460 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucas and Emma are in a quiet cafe.
- LucasEmma, est-ce que tu peux me parler ?Emma, can you talk to me?
- EmmaBien sûr, de quoi veux-tu parler ?Of course, what do you want to talk about?
- LucasJe veux parler de notre weekend.I want to talk about our weekend.
- EmmaD'accord, Lucas, je t'écoute.Okay, Lucas, I'm listening.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “talk” translations and entries parler, bavarder, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bavarder, parler, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
