Inklingo

How to Say "to converse" in Spanish

English → Spanish

conversar

kohn-ver-SARkom.berˈsaɾ

verbA1informal
Use 'conversar' for general, informal chats or friendly discussions where you are simply talking with someone.
A simple storybook illustration showing a rabbit and a squirrel sitting on the ground, leaning slightly towards each other, suggesting they are having a conversation.

Examples

Me gusta conversar con mis abuelos sobre su juventud.

I like to converse with my grandparents about their youth.

¿Podemos conversar un momento? Necesito tu opinión.

Can we chat for a moment? I need your opinion.

Ellos conversaron toda la noche en la terraza.

They talked all night long on the terrace.

A Regular Verb

Since 'conversar' is a regular '-ar' verb, it follows the most common conjugation patterns in Spanish. Learn the '-ar' endings, and you know how to use this verb in every tense!

Using the wrong preposition

Mistake: “Voy a conversar a mi amigo.”

Correction: Voy a conversar con mi amigo. ('Conversar' needs the preposition 'con' (with) to introduce the person you are talking to.)

dialogar

dee-ah-loh-gardja.loˈɣaɾ

verbB1formal
Choose 'dialogar' when the conversation is more structured, purposeful, or aimed at resolving issues or reaching an understanding.
Two people sitting on a park bench facing each other, engaged in a friendly conversation with speech bubbles showing simple colorful shapes.

Examples

Es importante dialogar para resolver los conflictos.

It is important to talk things out to resolve conflicts.

Los dos países aceptaron dialogar sobre la paz.

The two countries agreed to have a dialogue about peace.

Me gusta dialogar con personas que piensan diferente a mí.

I like to converse with people who think differently than I do.

Using 'con' for partnership

Always use 'con' (with) when you want to say who you are talking to. It emphasizes that both people are participating equally.

Spelling change in 'yo' form

In the past tense 'yo' form, the 'g' becomes 'gu' (dialogué) to keep the hard 'g' sound. Without the 'u', it would sound like a 'j'.

Dialogar vs. Hablar

Mistake: “Using 'dialogar' for a quick 'hello'.”

Correction: Use 'hablar' for general talking. Use 'dialogar' only when there is a meaningful exchange or a search for agreement.

General Chat vs. Purposeful Discussion

Learners often confuse 'conversar' and 'dialogar' by using 'conversar' for serious discussions. Remember, 'dialogar' implies a more focused exchange, often with a specific goal like problem-solving, while 'conversar' is for everyday talking.

Related Translations

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