hablas español
/ablas espaɲol/from spelling rules
The English phrase "you speak spanish" translates to Spanish as hablas español.
A statement used to tell someone that they have the ability to communicate in the Spanish language.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word hablas is the second-person singular present indicative form of the verb hablar (to speak). When addressing a group of people, use the plural form hablan español. To address a single person formally, use habla español.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Avoid saying hablas el español. English speakers often mistakenly add the definite article el before español when saying hablas español.
Did you know?
- The term español is thought to be a back-formation from the Latin name for Spain, 'Hispānia', which itself might have roots in a Punic word describing a 'coast of hyraxes'.
- In the Middle Ages, people living in the regions that are now Spain did not call themselves 'españoles', but instead identified themselves as 'cristianos'.
Examples in context
- ¿Hablas español?Do you speak Spanish?This example shows how to ask if someone speaks Spanish using hablas español.Tatoeba #1550980 by marcelostockle, translation #719306 by CN
- Hablas español muy bien.You speak Spanish very well.This sentence uses hablas español to state that someone speaks the language well.Tatoeba #856125 by opor, translation #687978 by lukaszpp
- ¿Hablas español con fluidez?Do you speak Spanish fluently?This is a way to ask if someone speaks Spanish with fluency using hablas español.Tatoeba #11402503 by MrJuice, translation #9661572 by abburns
Example conversation
Sofía and Mateo are talking about his skills in a cafe.
- SofíaMateo, tú hablas español.Mateo, you speak Spanish.
- MateoSí, lo aprendí en la escuela.Yes, I learned it in school.
- Sofía¡Qué increíble!How incredible!
- MateoGracias, Sofía.Thanks, Sofia.
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.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
