hablar
/aˈblaɾ/
To talk in Spanish is to hablar. Wiktionary also lists conversar and paular.
Meaning: to communicate by speech (verb)
Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA |
|---|---|
| hablar | /aˈblaɾ/ |
| conversar | /kombeɾˈsaɾ/ |
| paular | /paulaɾ/ (from spelling rules) |
| fablar | /faˈblaɾ/ |
| fabular | /fabuˈlaɾ/ |
| chamullar | /t͡ʃamuˈʝaɾ/ |
The verb hablar is the general verb for the act of speaking or talking. When expressing talking to or with someone, Spanish speakers typically use the preposition con after hablar.
Which one should you use?
Hablar is the general verb for the act of speaking or talking, whereas conversar specifically implies a two-way exchange or a conversation. Conversar is more specific than hablar and emphasizes the social aspect of exchanging ideas or chatting.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
The first-person singular present indicative of hablar is habló.
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈblaɾ/
Did you know?
- In Spain, the term hablar en plata is used when someone wants the other person to speak plainly and get straight to the point, referring to 'silver' as something clear and valuable.
- While hablar is neutral, the slang term chamullar is often used in certain regions to mean 'to talk' specifically in the context of flirting or sweet-talking someone.
- The modern verb hablar actually started with an 'f' sound as fablar in Old Spanish. This reflects its ancient Latin roots.
Examples in context
- Tom va a hablar.Tom will talk.This sentence shows the use of hablar for a future action.Tatoeba #4524940 by cueyayotl, translation #2215735 by CK
- No le gusta hablar.He doesn't like to talk.This sentence demonstrates a preference regarding the verb hablar.Tatoeba #9287400 by Javea, translation #9806495 by DJ_Saidez
- Yo hablaré sobre ti.I'll talk about you.This sentence shows how to use hablar to express talking about someone.Tatoeba #2824714 by cueyayotl, translation #2796603 by Alkrasnov
- ¿Podría hablar con el gerente, por favor?Could I talk to the manager, please?
- Necesitamos hablar sobre la próxima conferencia.We need to talk about the upcoming conference.
- Me gustaría conversar contigo sobre una oportunidad de negocio.I'd like to talk to you about a business opportunity.
- Vamos a conversar sobre los detalles durante el almuerzo.Let's talk about the details over lunch.
- Deberíamos dialogar para resolver este problema.We should have a dialogue to resolve this issue.
- Los políticos deben sentarse a dialogar.The politicians need to sit down and talk.
- ¡Vamos a platicar sobre nuestros planes para el fin de semana!Let's talk about our weekend plans!
- No hemos tenido oportunidad de platicar últimamente.We haven't had a chance to talk recently.
- Disfruto charlando con mis vecinos.I enjoy talking to my neighbors.
- ¡Vamos al café a charlar!Let's go to the café and have a chat!
- Pasamos toda la tarde chismeando.We spent the entire afternoon just chatting.
- 964 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Lucía and Alejandro are at a coffee shop.
- LucíaAlejandro, quiero hablar contigo.Alejandro, I want to talk with you.
- Alejandro¿De qué quieres hablar, Lucía?What do you want to talk about, Lucía?
- LucíaSobre el plan para mañana.About the plan for tomorrow.
- AlejandroEstá 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.
