Speak meanings in French

parler

Example:

I can speak French fluently.

Je peux parler français couramment.

Can you speak to him?

Peux-tu lui parler?

Usage: informalContext: Used in everyday conversations and informal settings.

Note: This is the most common translation of 'speak' and is used for general communication.

s'exprimer

Example:

She knows how to speak her mind.

Elle sait comment s'exprimer.

It's important to speak up for yourself.

Il est important de s'exprimer pour soi-même.

Usage: informalContext: Used when referring to expressing thoughts or feelings.

Note: This emphasizes the act of expressing oneself rather than just talking.

dire

Example:

What did he speak about?

De quoi a-t-il dit?

She speaks the truth.

Elle dit la vérité.

Usage: formal/informalContext: Used when referring to conveying information or opinions.

Note: This is often used in contexts where the focus is on the content of what is being said.

parler de

Example:

They spoke about their plans for the future.

Ils ont parlé de leurs projets pour l'avenir.

We need to speak about the issues at hand.

Nous devons parler des problèmes en cours.

Usage: informalContext: Used when discussing specific topics or subjects.

Note: This phrase emphasizes the discussion of particular themes or matters.

dialoguer

Example:

They need to speak more with each other.

Ils doivent dialoguer davantage.

The two leaders spoke about peace.

Les deux dirigeants ont dialogué sur la paix.

Usage: formalContext: Used in contexts involving discussions or negotiations.

Note: This term is often used in formal contexts, such as diplomacy or mediation.

annoncer

Example:

The spokesperson will speak to the press.

Le porte-parole annoncera à la presse.

He will speak the news at noon.

Il annoncera les nouvelles à midi.

Usage: formalContext: Used in settings where information is formally communicated.

Note: This is used when referring to making announcements or declarations.

talk

To communicate by speaking or to have a conversation.

Example: She loves to talk about her travels.

Note: Similar in meaning to 'speak,' but can imply a more informal or casual conversation.

converse

To engage in conversation or dialogue with someone.

Example: They sat down to converse about the project.

Note: More formal or sophisticated than 'speak,' often used in professional or academic settings.

communicate

To convey information or ideas to someone through speech, writing, gestures, etc.

Example: It's important to communicate clearly with your team.

Note: Broader term that includes speaking as one of the ways to convey information, can also refer to non-verbal forms of communication.

express

To convey or show one's thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words, actions, or other means.

Example: She expressed her opinions on the matter.

Note: Focuses more on conveying thoughts or emotions rather than simply speaking.

utter

To speak or pronounce something aloud.

Example: He uttered a few words of gratitude before leaving.

Note: More formal or literary term for speaking, often used in written or formal contexts.

Speak up

To speak louder or more clearly.

Example: Can you speak up? I can't hear you.

Note: The addition of 'up' changes the meaning to emphasize speaking more loudly or clearly.

Speak your mind

To express your thoughts or opinions openly and honestly.

Example: Feel free to speak your mind during the meeting.

Note: This idiom emphasizes expressing one's thoughts freely and openly.

Speak volumes

To convey a great deal of information or emotion without words.

Example: Her silence speaks volumes about her disappointment.

Note: This idiom implies that actions or expressions can communicate a lot without speaking.

Speak of the devil

Said when someone mentioned in the conversation appears unexpectedly.

Example: Oh, speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.

Note: This phrase is used when the person being talked about suddenly appears or is mentioned.

Speak for itself

To be clear or obvious without needing further explanation.

Example: The quality of their work speaks for itself.

Note: This phrase implies that something is so evident or well-done that it doesn't require additional clarification.

Speak out

To express one's opinions or beliefs openly and strongly.

Example: It's important to speak out against injustice.

Note: This phrase emphasizes voicing opinions or concerns boldly and publicly.

Speak one's language

To communicate in a way that is easily understood or relatable to someone.

Example: The new teacher speaks the students' language when it comes to technology.

Note: This phrase means to adjust one's communication style to match the preferences or understanding of the other person.

Speak in tongues

To speak in a language unknown to the speaker, often associated with spiritual or religious contexts.

Example: Some believe that speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Note: This phrase refers to speaking in a mystical or unknown language, usually within a religious or spiritual context.

Speak off the cuff

To speak without preparation or rehearsal; improvising.

Example: I didn't prepare a speech; I'll just speak off the cuff.

Note: This phrase indicates speaking spontaneously without prior planning or rehearsal.

Chit-chat

Casual conversation or small talk.

Example: Let's skip the chit-chat and get straight to the point.

Note: More informal and less serious than 'speak'.

Rumor has it

Indicates that the information being spoken is based on rumors or word of mouth.

Example: Rumor has it that she's planning to quit her job.

Note: Conveys a sense of uncertainty compared to stating facts when speaking.

Yammer

To talk incessantly or noisily.

Example: Stop yammering and let me concentrate.

Note: Implies a negative connotation of constant, annoying speech.

Jabber

To talk rapidly and excitedly, often in a foolish or nonsensical way.

Example: She always jabbers on the phone for hours.

Note: Emphasizes fast, sometimes senseless speech.

Spill the tea

To share gossip or reveal information that is potentially scandalous or secretive.

Example: Girl, spill the tea! What's the juicy gossip?

Note: A trendy slang term for revealing exciting or scandalous secrets.

Shoot the breeze

To engage in casual conversation or idle chatter.

Example: Let's just shoot the breeze and relax for a bit.

Note: Conveys a sense of leisurely and laid-back interaction.

Gossip

Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people's private lives.

Example: I heard some juicy gossip about Sarah's new relationship.

Note: Often related to sharing personal or sensational information rather than general speaking.

She speaks three languages fluently.

Elle parle trois langues couramment.

The teacher spoke about the importance of education.

L'enseignant a parlé de l'importance de l'éducation.

They were speaking quietly in the corner.

Ils parlaient doucement dans le coin.

Speak - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)

Lemma: speak

Conjugations

Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): spoke

Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): spoken

Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): speaking

Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): speaks

Verb, base form (Verb, base form): speak

Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): speak

Syllables, Separation and Stress

speak Contains 1 syllables: speak

Phonetic transcription: ˈspēk

speak , ˈspēk (The red syllable is stressed)

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.

speak: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).

This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

Speak