hablar
/aˈblaɾ/
Definition
To speak or talk, especially to communicate with someone using words.
Example
Ella habla con su familia cada domingo por teléfono.
Show translation
She talks with her family every Sunday on the phone.
Etymology
From Latin *fabulāre* ("to chat, tell stories"), derived from *fabula* ("story, tale"). The Latin *f-* shifted to *h-* (later silent) in Old Spanish, a hallmark sound change that distinguishes Spanish from its Romance siblings — compare Italian *parlare* and French *parler*, which took a different root entirely.
Cultural note
Spanish-speaking cultures tend to value expressive, animated conversation. The phrase *hablar por los codos* ("to talk through your elbows") humorously describes someone who talks non-stop — a vivid idiom learners often find memorable. Note that in many Latin American countries *hablar* can also mean "to call (someone) on the phone," so *te hablo luego* often means "I'll call you later" rather than "I'll speak to you later."