parlare
/parˈla.re/
The English verb 'talk' is translated into Italian as parlare.
parlare is a versatile verb meaning to communicate by speech. It is the standard way to express the ability to speak a language, such as saying parlo italiano (I speak Italian). When using this verb with prepositions, use parlare con to mean 'to talk with' someone and parlare di to mean 'to talk about' something.
Meaning: to communicate by speech (verb)
Which one should you use?
While parlare is the general term for to speak or talk, other verbs offer more specific nuances. Conversare is used for more formal conversation, and discutere can be used formally to indicate having a conversation, though it also means to argue or to debate. For casual or light-hearted speech, use chiacchierare for friendly chit-chat or parlottare for light-hearted, playful conversation.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative form of parlare is parlo (I talk). The past participle is parlato (talked).
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of parlare is /parˈla.re/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The Italian word parlare comes from the Early Medieval Latin parabolāre, which is related to the word 'parable'.
- In Italy, talking is often accompanied by a complex system of hand gestures that can replace entire words or modify the meaning of parlare.
- In many Italian dialects and regional settings, instead of saying one is 'talking', people might say they are fare due chiacchiere, which literally translates to 'making two chats'.
Examples in context
- È ora di parlare.It's time to talk.This sentence shows how to use parlare to indicate a specific time for talking.Tatoeba #4515471 by Guybrush88, translation #3734199 by CK
- Può parlare con me.You can talk to me.This sentence demonstrates the use of parlare con to mean talking to someone.Tatoeba #3471527 by Guybrush88, translation #3181120 by CK
- Non parlare di Tom.Don't talk about Tom.This sentence demonstrates the use of parlare di to mean talking about someone.Tatoeba #3534938 by Guybrush88, translation #2261220 by CK
- Posso parlare con il direttore, per favore?May I speak with the manager, please?
- I delegati discuteranno la situazione economica.The delegates will discuss the economic situation.
- Andiamo a chiacchierare al bar questa sera!Let's go chat at the bar tonight!
- I bambini parlottavano animatamente durante la ricreazione.The children were chattering lively during recess.
- 2865 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo meet at a cafe to discuss a project.
- GiuliaCiao Lorenzo, dobbiamo parlare del progetto.Hi Lorenzo, we need to talk about the project.
- LorenzoSì, preferisco parlare di questo ora.Yes, I prefer to talk about this now.
- GiuliaPossiamo parlare con calma qui?Can we talk calmly here?
- LorenzoCerto, cominciamo a parlare subito.Sure, let's start talking right away.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “talk” translations and entries parlare, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parlare, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
