hablar
/ah-BLAR/
The most basic meaning of 'hablar' is simply 'to talk' or 'to speak,' like these two friends enjoying a conversation.
hablar (Verb)
📝 In Action
¿Hablas inglés?
A1Do you speak English?
Me gusta hablar con mis amigos por teléfono.
A1I like to talk with my friends on the phone.
Por favor, habla más despacio.
A2Please, speak more slowly.
💡 Grammar Points
Speaking Languages
To say you speak a language, you just use 'hablar' followed by the language name. No extra words are needed. For example, 'Hablo español.'
❌ Common Pitfalls
'Hablar' vs. 'Decir'
Mistake: "'Hablé hola.' (I spoke hello.)"
Correction: 'Dije hola.' (I said hello.) 'Hablar' is for the general act of talking, while 'decir' is for quoting or reporting what someone said.
⭐ Usage Tips
'Hablar con' vs. 'Hablar a'
Use 'hablar con' to mean 'to talk with' someone, suggesting a two-way conversation. 'Hablar a' means 'to talk to' someone and can feel more one-sided.
'Hablar de' or 'hablar sobre' means 'to talk about' a specific topic, like this teacher talking about geography.
hablar (Verb)
📝 In Action
Estamos hablando de la película.
A2We are talking about the movie.
¿De qué hablaban ustedes?
A2What were you talking about?
El libro habla sobre la importancia de la amistad.
B1The book is about the importance of friendship.
💡 Grammar Points
The Magic Word: 'de'
To talk 'about' something, you must use the little word 'de' (or 'sobre') after 'hablar'. You can't just say 'Hablamos la película'.
❌ Common Pitfalls
Forgetting the Preposition
Mistake: "Hablo mi viaje a España."
Correction: Hablo de mi viaje a España. You always need 'de' or 'sobre' to connect 'hablar' to the topic you're discussing.
'Hablar' can also mean to formally address a person or a group, like a president speaking to the nation.
hablar (Verb)
📝 In Action
El presidente hablará a la nación esta noche.
B1The president will address the nation tonight.
Tengo que hablarle a mi jefe sobre un asunto importante.
B1I have to speak to my boss about an important matter.
La directora les habló a los estudiantes en la asamblea.
B2The principal addressed the students at the assembly.
💡 Grammar Points
Adding 'le' and 'les'
When you address someone specific, you often attach 'le' (for one person) or 'les' (for multiple people) to 'hablar'. For example, 'Voy a hablarle al gerente' (I'm going to speak to the manager).
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
preterite
imperfect
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hablar
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly says 'We are talking about the book'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between 'hablar' and 'decir'?
'Hablar' is about the general act of talking or speaking. For example, 'Me gusta hablar' (I like to talk). 'Decir' is about the act of saying something specific. For example, 'Él dice hola' (He says hello).
How do I know whether to use 'hablar con', 'hablar de', or 'hablar a'?
It's simple! Use 'hablar con' for 'to talk with' someone (a conversation). Use 'hablar de' for 'to talk about' a topic. Use 'hablar a' for 'to talk to' someone, which often sounds more formal or one-sided.