Inklingo

How to Say "talks" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “talks” is “conversaciones” — use this for general, often informal, discussions or exchanges of ideas between people.

English → Spanish

conversaciones

kon-ber-sa-SYO-neskombeɾsaˈθjones

nounA1general
Use this for general, often informal, discussions or exchanges of ideas between people.
Two simplified, colorful figures standing and facing each other. Abstract, curved lines and small shapes flow between them, symbolizing the active exchange of dialogue in a conversation.

Examples

Tuvimos unas conversaciones muy profundas sobre el futuro.

We had some very deep conversations about the future.

¿Escuchaste las conversaciones de la gente en la mesa de al lado?

Did you hear the conversations of the people at the next table?

Las conversaciones de paz se reanudarán la próxima semana.

The peace talks will resume next week.

Feminine Plural

This word is always feminine and always plural. The singular form is 'conversación,' which also needs the feminine article 'la.'

Nouns ending in -ción

Most Spanish nouns that end in -ción (like 'conversación' or 'nación') are feminine and use 'las' when they are plural.

Using the wrong article

Mistake: “Los conversaciones”

Correction: Las conversaciones. Remember, 'conversación' is a feminine word.

conferencias

kohn-feh-REHN-syahskoɱfeˈɾenθjas

nounA2formal/academic
Choose this for formal lectures or meetings, especially in academic or professional settings, where information is presented to an audience.
A person standing at a wooden podium speaking to a group of people sitting in chairs.

Examples

Me gusta asistir a conferencias sobre ciencia.

I like to attend lectures about science.

Las conferencias internacionales son en Madrid.

The international conferences are in Madrid.

Gender and Number

This word is the plural form of 'conferencia.' It is feminine, so you should use it with 'las,' 'unas,' or 'muchas.'

False Friend Alert

Mistake: “Using 'conferencias' for a casual chat with a friend.”

Correction: Use 'charlas' or 'conversaciones' for casual chats. 'Conferencias' is for formal or professional settings.

discursos

dee-SKOOR-sohsdisˈkuɾsos

nounA2formal
Use this word when referring to formal speeches given at an event, often by a single speaker to an audience.
A person standing behind a simple wooden podium, speaking to a group of people sitting in front of them.

Examples

El director dio dos discursos durante la ceremonia.

The principal gave two speeches during the ceremony.

No me gustan los discursos muy largos.

I don't like very long speeches.

Los políticos preparan sus discursos con mucho cuidado.

Politicians prepare their speeches very carefully.

Gender and Number

This word is the plural form of 'discurso.' Since it is masculine, you must use masculine markers like 'los' (the), 'unos' (some), or 'muchos' (many).

Using the wrong verb

Mistake: “Hacer un discurso.”

Correction: Dar un discurso or Pronunciar un discurso.

negociaciones

neh-go-syah-SYOH-nessneɣoθjaˈθjones

nounB1formal/diplomatic
This is the best translation for formal meetings aimed at reaching an agreement, especially in diplomacy or business.
Two people sitting across a wooden table, shaking hands in agreement in a bright room.

Examples

Las negociaciones de paz duraron varios meses.

The peace negotiations lasted several months.

Estamos en plenas negociaciones para comprar la casa.

We are in the middle of negotiations to buy the house.

Las negociaciones se rompieron sin un acuerdo.

The talks broke down without an agreement.

Feminine and Plural

This word is the plural form of 'negociación'. Like almost all words ending in '-ción', it is feminine, so use 'las' or 'unas' with it.

Choosing Between Singular and Plural

Mistake: “Using 'la negociación' to describe a series of meetings.”

Correction: Use 'las negociaciones' when talking about the whole process or the 'talks' as a whole. Use 'la negociación' when referring to the single act of negotiating.

Talks vs. Speeches vs. Negotiations

Learners often confuse 'discursos' (speeches) with 'conferencias' (lectures/talks) or 'negociaciones' (negotiations). Remember, 'discursos' implies a formal presentation by one person, while 'conferencias' can be more interactive or involve multiple presenters, and 'negociaciones' are specifically about reaching an agreement.

Related Translations

Learn Spanish with Inklingo

Interactive stories, personalized learning, and more.