hablarle
ah-BLAHR-leh
Quick Reference
📝 In Action
Quiero hablarle de un problema que tengo.
A1I want to speak to him/her/you about a problem I have.
Es difícil hablarle cuando está enojado.
A2It is difficult to talk to him/her when he/she is angry.
Si no le hablas, nunca sabrá lo que sientes.
B1If you don't speak to him/her, he/she will never know what you feel.
💡 Grammar Points
The Attached Pronoun 'le'
The word 'hablarle' is the verb 'hablar' combined with the pronoun 'le,' which means 'to him,' 'to her,' or 'to you (formal).' The 'le' tells you who is receiving the speech.
Pronoun Placement Rule
When using an infinitive (the base verb form), you can attach the pronoun directly to the end, forming one word, like 'hablarle.' This is optional; you can also place 'le' before the conjugated verb (e.g., 'Le quiero hablar').
❌ Common Pitfalls
Using 'Lo' Instead of 'Le'
Mistake: "Quiero lo hablar. (Incorrect)"
Correction: Quiero hablarle. (Correct). You must use 'le' because the person is the recipient of the action (indirect object), not the thing being spoken.
⭐ Usage Tips
Emphasizing the Recipient
Even though 'le' is already in 'hablarle,' Spanish often adds 'a él,' 'a ella,' or 'a usted' for clarity or emphasis: 'Quiero hablarle a ella.' (I want to speak to her.)
🔄 Conjugations
indicative
present
imperfect
preterite
subjunctive
present
imperfect
✏️ Quick Practice
💡 Quick Quiz: hablarle
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the attached pronoun form of 'hablarle'?
📚 More Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does 'hablarle' combine two words into one?
In Spanish, when you use an infinitive (the base form of the verb), the pronouns that tell you who receives the action (like 'le') can be 'stuck' onto the end of the verb, making a single word. This is a common and natural way to speak.
If I am speaking to multiple people, should I use 'hablarles'?
Yes, 'hablarles' is the correct form to use when you are speaking 'to them' (plural). However, in many parts of Spain and Latin America, 'hablarle' is sometimes used even when speaking to a group, although 'hablarles' is technically more correct.