hablan español
/ablan espaɲol/from spelling rules
hablan español is the Spanish way to say "they speak Spanish".
This phrase is used to state that a group of people possesses the ability to communicate using the Spanish language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word hablan is the third-person plural present indicative form of the verb hablar (to speak). In Spanish, the subject pronoun ellos (they) is often omitted because the verb ending in hablan already indicates that the subject is third-person plural. If you want to change the meaning to "he/she speaks Spanish", you should change hablan to habla.
Did you know?
- The term español is linked to a fascinating linguistic theory involving the Hebrew word for 'hyrax' and the Punic word for 'coast'. Some scholars suggest the name of the country was back-formed from a connection to these ancient terms.
- Historically, people in the region did not use the word español to identify themselves. Before a unified national identity emerged, people typically referred to themselves simply as cristiano to signify their religious identity.
Examples in context
- Ellos hablan español.They speak Spanish.
- Ellos hablan español muy bien.They speak Spanish very well.
- Mis nuevos vecinos hablan español.My new neighbors speak Spanish.
- ¿Sabes si ellos hablan español?Do you know if they speak Spanish?
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are discussing their new classmates.
- Elena¿Ellos hablan español?Do they speak Spanish?
- MateoSí, ellos hablan español perfectamente.Yes, they speak Spanish perfectly.
- ElenaQué bueno, Mateo.That is good, Mateo.
- MateoAsí es, Elena.That's right, Elena.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries español, CC BY-SA 4.0.
