Inklingo

How to Say "talks" in Spanish

The most common Spanish word for “talks” is “conversaciones” — use 'conversaciones' for general discussions or dialogues between people, including diplomatic or business meetings where the focus is on the exchange of ideas..

English → Spanish

conversaciones

/kon-ber-sa-SYO-nes//kombeɾsaˈθjones/

nounA1
Use 'conversaciones' for general discussions or dialogues between people, including diplomatic or business meetings where the focus is on the exchange of ideas.
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-syahs//koɱfeˈɾenθjas/

nounA2formal
Choose 'conferencias' when referring to formal lectures or meetings where knowledge is shared, often in an academic or professional setting.
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-sohs//disˈkuɾsos/

nounA2formal
Use 'discursos' specifically for prepared speeches or formal addresses given at an event or ceremony.
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-ness//neɣoθjaˈθjones/

nounB1formal
Opt for 'negociaciones' when the talks involve formal bargaining or attempts to reach 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.

Conversaciones vs. Conferencias

Learners often confuse 'conversaciones' and 'conferencias'. Remember, 'conversaciones' is for general dialogue and exchanges, while 'conferencias' refers to more structured, often academic or professional, presentations or lectures.

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