Inklingo

How to Say "lecture" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “lecture” is “presentación” — use this for an educational talk or a formal presentation you are giving, often in an academic or professional setting..

presentaciónA1

Use this for an educational talk or a formal presentation you are giving, often in an academic or professional setting.

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lecciónA1

This refers to a specific lesson or instructional talk, especially in a structured learning environment like a classroom or language course.

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conferencia🔊A2

Choose this for a formal, often public, talk given to an audience, typically on a specific subject, like at a conference or symposium.

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charla🔊B1

Use this for a more informal, often shorter, talk or chat, especially one that is introductory or conversational in nature.

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exposiciónB1

This term is used for an academic or detailed presentation of a topic, often implying a structured and in-depth explanation.

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discurso🔊B1

This word is generally used for a formal speech, especially one given in an educational or political setting, often with a persuasive or informative purpose.

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sermónB1

This word specifically refers to a long, often scolding or reprimanding talk, usually from a figure of authority like a parent or teacher.

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English → Spanish

presentación

nounA1
Use this for an educational talk or a formal presentation you are giving, often in an academic or professional setting.

Examples

Tengo que preparar una presentación para la clase de historia mañana.

I have to prepare a presentation for history class tomorrow.

lección

nounA1
This refers to a specific lesson or instructional talk, especially in a structured learning environment like a classroom or language course.

Examples

La primera lección de español es muy fácil.

The first Spanish lesson is very easy.

conferencia

kon-feh-REN-syah/koɱ.feˈɾen.sja/

nounA2formal
Choose this for a formal, often public, talk given to an audience, typically on a specific subject, like at a conference or symposium.
A speaker standing at a podium addressing an audience seated in a large room.

Examples

Asistimos a una conferencia muy interesante sobre el cambio climático.

We attended a very interesting lecture about climate change.

El famoso escritor dará una conferencia en la universidad la próxima semana.

The famous writer will give a talk at the university next week.

Gender Reminder

Even though it ends in '-a', remember 'conferencia' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it.

Using 'conferencia' for casual chat

Mistake: “Usé 'conferencia' para describir una conversación rápida con mi amigo.”

Correction: Use 'conversación' or 'charla' for a casual chat. 'Conferencia' implies a formal, structured event.

charla

/CHAR-lah//ˈtʃaɾla/

nounB1informal
Use this for a more informal, often shorter, talk or chat, especially one that is introductory or conversational in nature.
A storybook illustration of a woman giving a casual presentation or short lecture to a small, attentive audience of three people.

Examples

El experto dio una charla sobre el uso seguro de internet.

The expert gave a talk about safe internet use.

Asistimos a una charla muy interesante en el museo.

We attended a very interesting lecture at the museum.

Using 'Dar' for Talks

When someone is the speaker, we use the verb 'dar' (to give) with 'charla', similar to how we say 'to give a presentation' in English: 'El jefe dio una charla' (The boss gave a talk).

exposición

nounB1academic
This term is used for an academic or detailed presentation of a topic, often implying a structured and in-depth explanation.

Examples

Mi exposición sobre el cambio climático dura 15 minutos.

My presentation about climate change lasts 15 minutes.

discurso

dees-KOOR-so/disˈkuɾso/

nounB1formal
This word is generally used for a formal speech, especially one given in an educational or political setting, often with a persuasive or informative purpose.
A well-dressed person stands behind a simple wooden podium with a microphone, gesturing with one hand while delivering a formal speech to an unseen audience.

Examples

El presidente dio un discurso sobre la economía del país.

The president gave a speech about the country's economy.

Fue un discurso muy emotivo que hizo llorar a varias personas.

It was a very emotional speech that made several people cry.

Tengo que preparar un discurso para la boda de mi hermana.

I have to prepare a speech for my sister's wedding.

sermón

nounB1informal
This word specifically refers to a long, often scolding or reprimanding talk, usually from a figure of authority like a parent or teacher.

Examples

Mi padre me echó un sermón por llegar tarde a casa.

My father gave me a lecture for arriving home late.

Presentación vs. Conferencia

Learners often confuse 'presentación' and 'conferencia'. 'Presentación' is typically for a talk you are giving or preparing, while 'conferencia' is for a formal talk given by someone else to an audience, like at an event.

Related Translations

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