tenemos que hablar
/tenemos ke ablaɾ/from spelling rules
In Spanish, "we need to talk" is expressed as tenemos que hablar.
The phrase tenemos que hablar is a serious statement used to signal that a difficult or important conversation must happen. Just like in English, using this phrase without context often carries a heavy, ominous or serious tone, which frequently implies a confrontation or a breakup.
Which one should you use?
While tenemos que hablar focuses on a specific group (we), you can use the impersonal form hay que hablar to express that a conversation is necessary without specifically pointing the finger at a particular person or group.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Latin American countries, the informal phrase Tenemos que platicar is commonly used to say "we need to talk".
How does it change in a sentence?
You can change the subject of the phrase by altering the first verb. To change the subject from "we" to "I", change tenemos to tengo (tengo que hablar). To change the subject from "we" to "you" (singular, informal), change tenemos to tienes (tienes que hablar).
How do you pronounce it?
/tenemos ke ablaɾ/
Did you know?
- In many Spanish-speaking cultures, the heavy dread associated with tenemos que hablar is so universal that it is frequently used as a comedic trope in pop culture to mock the fear of a breakup.
- The verb hablar is a distant relative of the English word 'fable'. Both words stem from the Latin 'fabulari', which refers to the act of speaking or telling stories.
- While platicar is the standard for 'talking' in Mexico and Central America, using it for a serious conversation in Spain can sound unusual to native speakers.
Examples in context
- Hay algo de lo que tenemos que hablar.There's something we need to talk about.This sentence shows how to use tenemos que hablar to specify the subject of the conversation.Tatoeba #2867742 by teskmon, translation #2063272 by CK
- ¿De qué otras cosas tenemos que hablar?What else do we need to talk about?This sentence uses tenemos que hablar to ask about other topics that need discussion.Tatoeba #10748078 by SeaLiteral, translation #4017427 by CK
- Tenemos otras cosas de las que tenemos que hablar.We have other things we need to talk about.This sentence uses tenemos que hablar to state that there are other things to discuss.Tatoeba #9130688 by rafaeldejesus8199, translation #5715218 by CK
- Tenemos que hablar sobre el proyecto urgentementeWe need to talk about the project urgently
- Necesitamos charlar sobre lo que pasó anocheWe need to chat about what happened last night
- Tenemos que platicar sobre nuestras próximas vacacionesWe need to talk about our upcoming vacation
- Hay que hablar sobre el concierto de este fin de semanaWe have to talk about this weekend's concert
- Tenemos que hablar sobre el informe que presentaste.We need to talk about the report you submitted.
- Necesitamos charlar sobre la decisión que debemos tomar.We need to chat about the decision we have to make.
- Tenemos que platicar sobre el rumbo que está tomando nuestra relación.We need to talk about the direction our relationship is taking.
- Hay que hablar sobre el viaje que planeamos hacer.We have to talk about the trip we plan to take.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Daniel and María are sitting in a quiet cafe.
- DanielMaría, tenemos que hablar.María, we need to talk.
- María¿Es algo grave, Daniel?Is it something serious, Daniel?
- DanielNo te preocupes, pero es importante.Don't worry, but it is important.
- MaríaEstá bien, dime qué pasa.Okay, tell me what's happening.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries hablar, que, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
