Inklingo

How to Say "talk" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “talk” is “charla” — use 'charla' for a casual, friendly discussion or a short, informal presentation on a specific topic..

charla🔊A2/B1

Use 'charla' for a casual, friendly discussion or a short, informal presentation on a specific topic.

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entrevista🔊A1

Choose 'entrevista' specifically when referring to a job interview or a media interview where questions are asked and answered.

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conferencia🔊A2

Use 'conferencia' for a more formal presentation or lecture, often given to an audience on an academic or professional subject.

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exposiciónB1

Opt for 'exposición' when referring to a structured presentation or speech, especially one with a set duration or specific learning objectives.

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discurso🔊B1

Use 'discurso' for a formal speech, typically delivered in public by a leader or official on a significant topic.

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hablen🔊B1

Use 'hablen' as the plural command form of 'hablar' (to speak), used to tell multiple people to talk or speak, often as an instruction.

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English → Spanish

charla

/CHAR-lah//ˈtʃaɾla/

nounA2/B1informal
Use 'charla' for a casual, friendly discussion or a short, informal presentation on a specific topic.
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).

entrevista

en-treh-VEE-sta/en.tɾeˈβis.ta/

nounA1
Choose 'entrevista' specifically when referring to a job interview or a media interview where questions are asked and answered.
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.

conferencia

kon-feh-REN-syah/koɱ.feˈɾen.sja/

nounA2formal
Use 'conferencia' for a more formal presentation or lecture, often given to an audience on an academic or professional subject.
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
Opt for 'exposición' when referring to a structured presentation or speech, especially one with a set duration or specific learning objectives.

Examples

Mi exposición sobre el cambio climático dura 15 minutos.

My presentation about climate change lasts 15 minutes.

discurso

dees-KOOR-so/disˈkuɾso/

nounB1formal
Use 'discurso' for a formal speech, typically delivered in public by a leader or official on a significant topic.
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 the plural command form of 'hablar' (to speak), used to tell multiple people to talk or speak, often as an 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 vs. Discurso

Learners often confuse 'charla', 'conferencia', and 'discurso'. Remember that 'charla' is casual or a short informal talk, 'conferencia' is a more formal lecture for an audience, and 'discurso' is a formal speech, usually public and often by a leader.

Related Translations

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