Inklingo

How to Say "to talk" in Spanish

English → Spanish

hablar

/ah-BLAR//aˈβlaɾ/

VerbA1General
Use 'hablar' for the general act of speaking or communicating, including asking if someone knows a language.
Two friends sitting at a cafe table outdoors, smiling and chatting with each other with coffee cups in front of them.

Examples

¿Hablas inglés?

Do you speak English?

Me gusta hablar con mis amigos por teléfono.

I like to talk with my friends on the phone.

Por favor, habla más despacio.

Please, speak more slowly.

Speaking Languages

To say you speak a language, you just use 'hablar' followed by the language name. No extra words are needed. For example, 'Hablo español.'

'Hablar' vs. 'Decir'

Mistake: “'Hablé hola.' (I spoke hello.)”

Correction: 'Dije hola.' (I said hello.) 'Hablar' is for the general act of talking, while 'decir' is for quoting or reporting what someone said.

conversar

/kohn-ver-SAR//kom.berˈsaɾ/

verbA1General
Choose 'conversar' when referring to a more in-depth or structured discussion, often about a particular topic.
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.)

charlar

/char-LAR//tʃaɾˈlaɾ/

VerbA1Informal
Use 'charlar' for light, informal, and casual conversation, like catching up with friends.
A colorful storybook illustration showing two friends sitting opposite each other at a small table, engaged in a casual, informal conversation.

Examples

Nos gusta charlar un rato después de cenar.

We like to chat for a while after dinner.

¿Con quién estabas charlando tan animadamente?

Who were you chatting with so lively?

Siempre charlan sobre política y el tiempo.

They always talk about politics and the weather.

Using 'Con'

When you want to say who you are chatting with, you must use the preposition 'con' (with). Example: 'Charlo con mi madre' (I chat with my mother).

Confusing 'charlar' and 'hablar'

Mistake: “Using 'charlar' when you mean 'to speak a language' or 'to give a formal talk.'”

Correction: Use 'charlar' only for informal, relaxed conversation. For general speaking or formal communication, use 'hablar'.

General vs. Specific Talking

The most common mistake is using 'hablar' for every situation. Remember that 'conversar' implies a deeper discussion, and 'charlar' is specifically for casual chats. Use 'hablar' when you just mean the act of speaking or communicating in a broad sense.

Related Translations

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