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Writer's pictureJulia Naranja

hablar vs. decir

Updated: Jul 18, 2023

Let's do a little compare and contrast of two verbs: hablar & decir.

No, these are not synonyms.


hablar --> to speak; to talk

decir --> to say; to tell


Knowing their translation is a good start.

Understanding the context of when and how to use them is BETTER.



Grammatically speaking, "hablar" is a regular -ar verb and well, "decir" is not regular in the slightest. It is, however, regularly used in communication. It is so commonly used that it is impossible to avoid.


Take a look at my last blog...


Defined:

hablar --> to speak; to talk (to articulate words); to converse

hablarse (reciprocal verb) --> to speak to each other; to be on speaking terms

decir --> to say; to tell (to speak); to give an opinion; to narrate

decirse (reflexive verb) --> to tell oneself; to say to oneself; to think to oneself


In context:


hablar

hablar por teléfono (to speak on the phone)

se habla inglés (English spoken)

¿quién habla? (who's calling?; who is it?)

hablar alto (to speak/talk loudly)

hablar bajo (to speak/talk quietly (in a low voice))

hablar claro (to speak plainly/bluntly)

la forma de hablar (way/manner of speaking)


decir

decir que sí/no (to say yes/no)

¿cómo se dice _____ en español? (How do you say ____ in Spanish?)

decir la verdad (to tell the truth)

decir tonterías (to tell nonsense)

decir mentiras (to tell lies)

lo mismo digo (likewise)


More expressions:

¡bien dicho! (well said!)

digan lo que digan (whatever they say)

hablar bien/mal de (to speak well/badly of)

¡ni hablar! (no way!)

pero dice mal (but he/she is wrong)

no me habla (he's/she's not speaking to me)

¿qué me dices? (what do you think/say?; you don't say!; well I never! (surprise); you're kidding! (disbelief))


There is always more to learn and expand on. Keep learning and using what you know!

La vida es un viaje...¡Espero que lo disfrutes! (Life is a journey...I hope you enjoy it!)

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