hablar
/aˈblaɾ/
To talk in Spanish is hablar.
The verb hablar is used to communicate using spoken words. It is also the standard way to express the ability to speak a language, such as saying Hablo español (I speak Spanish).
Which one should you use?
While hablar is the standard term for talking or speaking, you may encounter synonyms like conversar or platicar depending on the desired tone and context.
Is it said differently in some regions?
The informal form platicar is commonly used in Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Central America.
How does it change in a sentence?
hablar is a regular -ar verb. In the present indicative tense, its forms are hablo (I talk), hablas (you talk), habla (he/she talks), hablamos (we talk), habláis (you all talk) and hablan (they talk).
How do you pronounce it?
/aˈblaɾ/
Did you know?
- The expression hablar por los codos literally means 'to talk through one's elbows' and is used to describe someone who talks incessantly.
- The modern Spanish verb hablar actually evolved from the Old Spanish word fablar, which used a 'f' instead of an 'h'.
- While platicar is used for 'to chat' in Mexico, using it in Spain might sound unusually formal or archaic, as it is not the common way to describe a casual conversation there.
Examples in context
- No le gusta hablar.He doesn't like to talk.This sentence shows how to use hablar to express a lack of preference.Tatoeba #9287400 by Javea, translation #9806495 by DJ_Saidez
- Tom empezó a hablar.Tom began to talk.This sentence uses hablar to describe the beginning of an action.Tatoeba #1427947 by marcelostockle, translation #1027023 by CK
- Quiero hablar con él.I want to talk to him.This sentence uses hablar to express the desire to talk with someone.Tatoeba #1231089 by hayastan, translation #1325014 by CK
- Me gusta hablar con mi abuela.I like to talk with my grandmother.
- Tenemos que hablar sobre el proyecto mañana.We need to talk about the project tomorrow.
- Voy a conversar con el director sobre mi inquietud.I am going to talk with the director about my concern.
- Me encanta conversar con personas de diferentes culturas.I love to talk with people from different cultures.
- Vamos a platicar sobre nuestras vacaciones.Let's chat about our vacations.
- Siempre disfruto platicar con mis amigos.I always enjoy talking with my friends.
- Después de la cena, nos gusta charlar en el jardín.After dinner, we like to chat in the garden.
- Siempre busco un buen lugar para charlar con mis compañeros de trabajo.I always look for a nice place to talk with my coworkers.
- 645 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Sofía and Alejandro are in a café.
- SofíaNecesito hablar contigo, Alejandro.I need to talk with you, Alejandro.
- Alejandro¿De qué quieres hablar?What do you want to talk about?
- SofíaSobre nuestro viaje de mañana.About our trip tomorrow.
- AlejandroEstá bien, hablemos ahora.Okay, let's talk now.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hablar, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
