How to Say "speak" in Spanish
The Spanish word for “speak” is “hablen” — B1 level. This is a very common word in everyday Spanish.
Examples
¡Señores, hablen más despacio para que yo pueda entender!
Gentlemen, speak slower so that I can understand!
Es crucial que los estudiantes hablen entre ellos en español.
It is crucial that the students speak among themselves in Spanish.
Dudo que ellos hablen tres idiomas fluidamente.
I doubt that they speak three languages fluently.
Dual Function of 'Hablen'
This single form is used for two main purposes: 1) Giving a formal command to a group ('Ustedes, hablen...') and 2) Expressing wishes, doubts, or necessity about a group ('Es necesario que ellos hablen...').
Subjunctive Trigger
When 'hablen' is used in a sentence's second part, it’s usually because the first part expresses emotion, desire, doubt, or a necessary action (e.g., 'Quiero que...' or 'Es importante que...').
Mixing Command Forms
Mistake: “Using 'hablan' (indicative) for a command: 'Ustedes hablan ahora.'”
Correction: For formal plural commands, you must use the special form 'hablen': 'Ustedes, hablen ahora.' The 'n' ending is key for 'ustedes'.
Related Translations
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