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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