Inklingo

How to Say "talk" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “talk” is “entrevista” — use 'entrevista' specifically for a formal interview, such as for a job or in a media context.

entrevista🔊A1

Use 'entrevista' specifically for a formal interview, such as for a job or in a media context.

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charla🔊A2

Choose 'charla' for a casual, friendly discussion or a short, informal presentation.

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diálogoA2

Use 'diálogo' when referring to an informal, back-and-forth discussion between two or more people.

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conferencia🔊A2

Opt for 'conferencia' when referring to a more formal presentation or lecture, often to an audience.

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exposiciónB1

Use 'exposición' for a planned speech or lecture, often academic or professional, where you present information.

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discurso🔊B1

Choose 'discurso' for a formal public address or speech, typically delivered by a leader or official.

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hablen🔊B1

Use 'hablen' as a conjugated verb form, meaning 'speak,' often used as a formal command or instruction.

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English → Spanish

entrevista

en-treh-VEE-staen.tɾeˈβis.ta

nounA1formal
Use 'entrevista' specifically for a formal interview, such as for a job or in a media context.
A colorful illustration showing a professional interview setting. Two people are sitting across a small table from each other; one person is holding a clipboard and pen, representing the interviewer.

Examples

Tengo una entrevista de trabajo el lunes por la mañana.

I have a job interview on Monday morning.

Tengo una **entrevista** de trabajo el lunes por la mañana.

I have a job interview on Monday morning.

La **entrevista** con el autor fue muy interesante.

The interview with the author was very interesting.

Necesitas preparar las respuestas para tu próxima **entrevista**.

You need to prepare the answers for your next interview.

Gender Check

Since 'entrevista' ends in '-a' and refers to a thing, it is feminine. Always use 'la' (the) or 'una' (a) before it.

Verb Choice

Mistake: “Tener una entrevista (I have an interview)”

Correction: Hacer una entrevista (I am conducting an interview) or Tener una entrevista (I am the interviewee). In Spanish, you often 'hacer' (do/make) the interview if you are the one asking the questions.

charla

CHAR-lahˈtʃaɾla

nounA2informal
Choose 'charla' for a casual, friendly discussion or a short, informal presentation.
A storybook illustration showing two smiling people sitting at a cafe table, animatedly chatting.

Examples

Tuvimos una charla muy agradable después del trabajo.

We had a very nice chat after work.

¿Puedes venir? Necesito tener una charla contigo sobre el plan.

Can you come? I need to have a talk with you about the plan.

La charla entre los vecinos duró casi una hora.

The conversation between the neighbors lasted almost an hour.

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

The expert gave a talk about safe internet use.

Feminine Noun Rule

Remember that 'charla' is always feminine, so you must use 'la' or 'una' before it: 'la charla' (the chat), 'una charla' (a chat).

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).

Confusing Noun and Verb

Mistake: “Using 'charlar' (the verb, to chat) when you mean 'charla' (the noun, the chat).”

Correction: Say 'Quiero tener una charla' (noun), not 'Quiero tener un charlar' (incorrect verb use).

conferencia

kon-feh-REN-syahkoɱ.feˈɾen.sja

nounA2formal
Opt for 'conferencia' when referring to a more formal presentation or lecture, often to an audience.
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.

exposición

nounB1formal
Use 'exposición' for a planned speech or lecture, often academic or professional, where you present information.

Examples

Mi exposición sobre el cambio climático dura 15 minutos.

My presentation about climate change lasts 15 minutes.

discurso

dees-KOOR-sodisˈkuɾso

nounB1formal
Choose 'discurso' for a formal public address or speech, typically delivered by a leader or official.
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.

hablen

ah-blehn'a.βlen

verbB1formal
Use 'hablen' as a conjugated verb form, meaning 'speak,' often used as a formal command or instruction.
A colorful, friendly storybook illustration showing three cartoon characters standing in a group, all with open mouths, engaged in animated conversation. Simple curved lines emanate from their mouths to indicate speech.

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'.

Charla vs. Conferencia

The most common confusion is between 'charla' and 'conferencia.' Remember, 'charla' is for informal chats or brief talks, while 'conferencia' implies a more structured, formal presentation to an audience.

Related Translations

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