How to Say “Speak” in 80 Different Languages 🌍🗣️

Communication is the cornerstone of human interaction. The word “speak” embodies the essence of expressing thoughts, emotions, and ideas. Understanding how to say “speak” in various languages not only enhances our linguistic repertoire but also fosters deeper connections across cultures.

You’re not just learning how to say “speak”—you’re learning how to connect in different languages. Here’s what you’ll uncover:

🔤 80 Unique Ways to Say “Speak” — one word, many voices
🗣️ Pronunciations Made Easy — speak it right from the start
👔 vs 😎 Formal vs. Casual — when to keep it polished or relaxed
🎭 Tone Tips — because how you say it matters
💬 Real-Life Examples — so it actually sticks

Translations of “Speak” in 80 Languages🗣️

Get ready to explore a global garden of languages! 🌏💬
We’re unlocking the secrets of how to say “speak” in amazing tongues. Here’s your ultimate guide, packed with everything you need:

🌍 Flag Icons to mark each country’s voice
🗺️ Language Names so you know where you’re headed
🗣️ Word for “Speak” in each language
🔊 Easy-to-follow Pronunciations—no need to twist your tongue!
💫 Tone Tips & Cultural Clues so you sound natural, not robotic

Grab your virtual passport, and let’s go on a wordy world tour—one meaningful conversation at a time! 🧳🌐✨

1. Arabic 🇸🇦

Word: يتكلم (Yatakallam)
Pronunciation: ya-ta-kal-lam
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “هل يمكنك أن تتكلم بالعربية؟” (“Can you speak Arabic?”)
Tone Tip: Used in both formal and informal contexts.

2. Spanish 🇪🇸

Word: Hablar
Pronunciation: ah-BLAR
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “¿Puedes hablar más despacio?” (“Can you speak more slowly?”)
Tone Tip: Commonly used in everyday conversations.

3. French 🇫🇷

Word: Parler
Pronunciation: par-LAY
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Je veux parler français.” (“I want to speak French.”)
Tone Tip: Appropriate in both formal and informal settings.

4. German 🇩🇪

Word: Sprechen
Pronunciation: shpre-KHEN
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Können Sie Deutsch sprechen?” (“Can you speak German?”)
Tone Tip: Used formally; “reden” is more casual.

5. Italian 🇮🇹

Word: Parlare
Pronunciation: par-LA-re
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Posso parlare con te?” (“Can I speak with you?”)
Tone Tip: Suitable for all contexts.

6. Portuguese 🇵🇹

Word: Falar
Pronunciation: fa-LAR
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Você pode falar inglês?” (“Can you speak English?”)
Tone Tip: Common in both European and Brazilian Portuguese.

7. Russian 🇷🇺

Word: говорить (Govorít’)
Pronunciation: ga-va-REET’
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Вы говорите по-русски?” (“Do you speak Russian?”)
Tone Tip: Formal; “разговаривать” is more conversational.

8. Japanese 🇯🇵

Word: 話す (Hanasu)
Pronunciation: ha-na-su
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “日本語を話せますか？” (“Can you speak Japanese?”)
Tone Tip: Politeness levels vary; “お話しする” is more formal.

9. Chinese (Mandarin) 🇨🇳

Word: 说话 (Shuōhuà)
Pronunciation: shwaw-hwah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “你会说中文吗？” (“Can you speak Chinese?”)
Tone Tip: “说” is often used in casual contexts.

10. Hindi 🇮🇳

Word: बोलना (Bolnā)
Pronunciation: bo-l-na
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “क्या आप हिंदी बोलते हैं?” (“Do you speak Hindi?”)
Tone Tip: Used across various contexts.

11. Korean 🇰🇷

Word: 말하다 (Malhada)
Pronunciation: mal-ha-da
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “한국어 할 수 있어요?” (“Can you speak Korean?”)
Tone Tip: “말씀하다” is a more honorific form.

12. Turkish 🇹🇷

Word: Konuşmak
Pronunciation: ko-nush-mak
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Türkçe konuşabiliyor musun?” (“Can you speak Turkish?”)
Tone Tip: Used in both formal and informal situations.

13. Dutch 🇳🇱

Word: Spreken
Pronunciation: SPREY-ken
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Spreek je Nederlands?” (“Do you speak Dutch?”)
Tone Tip: “Praten” is more casual.

14. Greek 🇬🇷

Word: μιλάω (Miláo)

Pronunciation: mee-LAH-oh

Meaning: To speak or talk

Example: “Μιλάω ελληνικά.” (“I speak Greek.”)

Tone Tip: Common in both formal and informal conversations. For very formal situations, you might hear the more traditional form “ομιλώ (omiló).”

15. Polish 🇵🇱

Word: mówić
Pronunciation: moo-veech
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Czy możesz mówić po polsku?” (“Can you speak Polish?”)
Tone Tip: Used in both formal and informal contexts.

16. Swedish 🇸🇪

Word: tala
Pronunciation: TAH-lah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Kan du tala svenska?” (“Can you speak Swedish?”)
Tone Tip: “Tala” is formal; “prata” is more colloquial.

17. Norwegian 🇳🇴

Word: snakke
Pronunciation: SNAH-keh
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Kan du snakke norsk?” (“Can you speak Norwegian?”)
Tone Tip: Commonly used in everyday conversations.

18. Danish 🇩🇰

Word: tale
Pronunciation: TAH-leh
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Kan du tale dansk?” (“Can you speak Danish?”)
Tone Tip: “Tale” is formal; “snakke” is more informal.

19. Finnish 🇫🇮

Word: puhua
Pronunciation: POO-hoo-ah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Puhutko suomea?” (“Do you speak Finnish?”)
Tone Tip: Used in both formal and informal settings.

20. Hungarian 🇭🇺

Word: beszél
Pronunciation: BEH-sayl
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Beszélsz magyarul?” (“Do you speak Hungarian?”)
Tone Tip: Applicable in various contexts.

21. Czech 🇨🇿

Word: mluvit
Pronunciation: MLOO-vit
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Mluvíte česky?” (“Do you speak Czech?”)
Tone Tip: Used in both formal and informal conversations.

22. Slovak 🇸🇰

Word: hovoriť
Pronunciation: HO-vo-rit
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Hovoríte po slovensky?” (“Do you speak Slovak?”)
Tone Tip: Suitable for all contexts.

23. Romanian 🇷🇴

Word: vorbi
Pronunciation: vor-BEE
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Vorbiți românește?” (“Do you speak Romanian?”)
Tone Tip: Used across various settings.

24. Bulgarian 🇧🇬

Word: говоря (govorya)
Pronunciation: go-VO-rya
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Говорите ли български?” (“Do you speak Bulgarian?”)
Tone Tip: Common in both formal and informal speech.

25. Ukrainian 🇺🇦

Word: говорити (hovoryty)
Pronunciation: ho-vo-RY-ty
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Ви говорите українською?” (“Do you speak Ukrainian?”)
Tone Tip: Used in various contexts.

26. Belarusian 🇧🇾

Word: гаварыць (havaryć)
Pronunciation: ha-va-RY-ch
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Вы гаворыце па-беларуску?” (“Do you speak Belarusian?”)
Tone Tip: Applicable in both formal and informal situations.

27. Lithuanian 🇱🇹

Word: kalbėti
Pronunciation: kal-BEH-tee
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Ar kalbate lietuviškai?” (“Do you speak Lithuanian?”)
Tone Tip: Used across different contexts.

28. Latvian 🇱🇻

Word: runāt
Pronunciation: roo-NAHT
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Vai jūs runājat latviski?” (“Do you speak Latvian?”)
Tone Tip: Common in everyday conversations.

29. Estonian 🇪🇪

Word: rääkima
Pronunciation: RAE-ki-mah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Kas te räägite eesti keelt?” (“Do you speak Estonian?”)
Tone Tip: Used in both formal and informal settings.

30. Icelandic 🇮🇸

Word: tala
Pronunciation: TAH-lah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: “Talar þú íslensku?” (“Do you speak Icelandic?”)
Tone Tip: Suitable for various contexts.

31. Greek 🇬🇷

Word: μιλάω (miláo)
Pronunciation: mee-LAH-oh
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Μιλάς ελληνικά; (Do you speak Greek?)
Tone Tip: Suitable for all contexts—formal, casual, and friendly.

32. Hebrew 🇮🇱

Word: לדבר (ledaber)
Pronunciation: leh-dah-BEHR
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: אתה מדבר עברית? (Do you speak Hebrew?)
Tone Tip: Common in everyday and religious settings.

33. Turkish 🇹🇷

Word: konuşmak
Pronunciation: koh-NOOSH-mahk
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Türkçe konuşuyor musun? (Do you speak Turkish?)
Tone Tip: Very versatile—used in daily life and business alike.

34. Persian (Farsi) 🇮🇷

Word: صحبت کردن (sohbat kardan)
Pronunciation: soh-BAHT kar-DAHN
Meaning: To speak or have a conversation
Example: فارسی صحبت می‌کنی؟ (Do you speak Persian?)
Tone Tip: Often heard in polite, poetic, or literary conversations.

35. Hindi 🇮🇳

Word: बोलना (bolnā)
Pronunciation: BOHL-naa
Meaning: To speak or say
Example: क्या तुम हिंदी बोलते हो? (Do you speak Hindi?)
Tone Tip: Fits both formal and informal scenarios.

36. Bengali 🇧🇩

Word: বলা (bolā)
Pronunciation: boh-LAA
Meaning: To speak or say
Example: তুমি কি বাংলা বলতে পারো? (Can you speak Bengali?)
Tone Tip: Universally used across all social settings.

37. Punjabi 🇮🇳

Word: ਬੋਲਣਾ (bolṇā)
Pronunciation: BOHL-naa
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: ਤੁਸੀਂ ਪੰਜਾਬੀ ਬੋਲਦੇ ਹੋ? (Do you speak Punjabi?)
Tone Tip: Often warm, friendly, and casual.

38. Urdu 🇵🇰

Word: بولنا (bolnā)
Pronunciation: BOHL-naa
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: کیا آپ اردو بولتے ہیں؟ (Do you speak Urdu?)
Tone Tip: Very polite, particularly in formal conversations.

39. Tamil 🇮🇳

Word: பேசுதல் (pēsuthal)
Pronunciation: PAY-soo-thal
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: நீங்கள் தமிழ் பேசுவீர்களா? (Do you speak Tamil?)
Tone Tip: Respectful and formal, often used in dignified speech.

40. Telugu 🇮🇳

Word: మాట్లాడటం (māṭlāḍaṭaṁ)
Pronunciation: MAAT-laa-dam
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: మీరు తెలుగు మాట్లాడగలరా? (Do you speak Telugu?)
Tone Tip: Used in both personal and public conversations.

41. Kannada 🇮🇳

Word: ಮಾತಾಡು (mātāḍu)
Pronunciation: maa-taa-du
Meaning: To speak or converse
Example: ನೀವು ಕನ್ನಡ ಮಾತಾಡುತ್ತೀರಾ? (Do you speak Kannada?)
Tone Tip: Commonly used across formal and informal speech in Karnataka.

42. Malayalam 🇮🇳

Word: സംസാരിക്കുക (samsārikkuka)
Pronunciation: sum-SAAR-ee-ku-ka
Meaning: To talk or speak
Example: നിങ്ങൾ മലയാളം സംസാരിക്കാമോ? (Can you speak Malayalam?)
Tone Tip: Very polite; often heard in professional or formal discussions.

43. Sinhala 🇱🇰

Word: කතා කිරීම (kathā kirīma)
Pronunciation: kah-THAA kee-REE-ma
Meaning: Speaking or talking
Example: ඔබ සිංහල කතා කරනවාද? (Do you speak Sinhala?)
Tone Tip: Used respectfully in both personal and public settings.

44. Thai 🇹🇭

Word: พูด (phûut)
Pronunciation: poot
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: คุณพูดภาษาไทยได้ไหม? (Can you speak Thai?)
Tone Tip: Politeness markers often follow the verb depending on gender.

45. Vietnamese 🇻🇳

Word: nói
Pronunciation: noy
Meaning: To speak or say
Example: Bạn nói tiếng Việt không? (Do you speak Vietnamese?)
Tone Tip: Tone and formality vary depending on social hierarchy.

46. Khmer 🇰🇭

Word: និយាយ (niyeay)
Pronunciation: nee-YAY
Meaning: To speak
Example: អ្នកនិយាយភាសាខ្មែរទេ? (Do you speak Khmer?)
Tone Tip: Used in both casual and respectful settings.

47. Indonesian 🇮🇩

Word: berbicara
Pronunciation: ber-bee-CHA-ra
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Apakah kamu bisa berbicara Bahasa Indonesia? (Can you speak Indonesian?)
Tone Tip: Often interchanged with “ngomong” in casual talk.

48. Malay 🇲🇾

Word: bercakap
Pronunciation: ber-CHA-kap
Meaning: To speak or converse
Example: Awak boleh bercakap Bahasa Melayu? (Can you speak Malay?)
Tone Tip: Formal in usage; “cakap” is used casually.

49. Tagalog (Filipino) 🇵🇭

Word: magsalita
Pronunciation: mag-sa-LEE-ta
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Marunong ka bang magsalita ng Tagalog? (Do you know how to speak Tagalog?)
Tone Tip: “Mag-usap” is used more for conversation between two people.

50. Mongolian 🇲🇳

Word: ярих (yarikh)
Pronunciation: YA-rikh
Meaning: To talk or speak
Example: Та монголоор ярьж чадах уу? (Can you speak Mongolian?)
Tone Tip: Used broadly in casual and formal speech.

51. Uzbek 🇺🇿

Word: gapirmoq
Pronunciation: GA-peer-mok
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Siz o‘zbekcha gapira olasizmi? (Can you speak Uzbek?)
Tone Tip: Often used in casual conversation and daily speech.

52. Kazakh 🇰🇿

Word: сөйлеу (soyleu)
Pronunciation: soy-LEU
Meaning: To speak
Example: Қазақша сөйлей аласыз ба? (Do you speak Kazakh?)
Tone Tip: Respectful tone is expected, especially with elders.

53. Georgian 🇬🇪

Word: ლაპარაკი (laparaki)
Pronunciation: la-pa-RA-ki
Meaning: Speaking or conversation
Example: ქართულად ლაპარაკობ? (Do you speak Georgian?)
Tone Tip: Informal and formal versions depend on verb form and context.

54. Armenian 🇦🇲

Word: խոսել (khosel)
Pronunciation: kho-SEL
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Դուք հայերեն խոսում եք? (Do you speak Armenian?)
Tone Tip: Highly polite language; tone matters in professional settings.

55. Pashto 🇦🇫

Word: خبرې کول (khabaree kawal)
Pronunciation: kha-ba-REE ka-wal
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: تاسو پښتو خبرې کولی شئ؟ (Can you speak Pashto?)
Tone Tip: Used with reverence when speaking with elders or strangers.

56. Farsi (Persian) 🇮🇷

Word: صحبت کردن (sohbat kardan)
Pronunciation: soh-BAHT kar-DAN
Meaning: To speak or have a conversation
Example: شما فارسی صحبت می‌کنید؟ (Do you speak Persian?)
Tone Tip: Carries a formal vibe, used often in polite conversations.

57. Hebrew 🇮🇱

Word: לדבר (ledaber)
Pronunciation: leh-da-BEAR
Meaning: To speak
Example: אתה מדבר עברית? (Do you speak Hebrew?)
Tone Tip: Tone changes with verb structure and formality.

58. Turkish 🇹🇷

Word: konuşmak
Pronunciation: koh-NOOSH-mak
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Türkçe konuşuyor musunuz? (Do you speak Turkish?)
Tone Tip: Versatile, used in nearly all kinds of conversations.

59. Romanian 🇷🇴

Word: a vorbi
Pronunciation: a vor-BEE
Meaning: To talk or speak
Example: Vorbești română? (Do you speak Romanian?)
Tone Tip: Often used politely in both professional and social contexts.

60. Hungarian 🇭🇺

Word: beszélni
Pronunciation: beh-SALE-nee
Meaning: To speak
Example: Beszélsz magyarul? (Do you speak Hungarian?)
Tone Tip: Direct, but softened with formal verb conjugation when needed.

61. Czech 🇨🇿

Word: mluvit
Pronunciation: MLU-vit
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Mluvíte česky? (Do you speak Czech?)
Tone Tip: Formal vs. informal tones are marked by verb endings and pronouns.

62. Slovak 🇸🇰

Word: hovoriť
Pronunciation: HO-vo-reet
Meaning: To speak
Example: Hovoríte po slovensky? (Do you speak Slovak?)
Tone Tip: Frequently used in respectful conversation, especially with strangers.

63. Ukrainian 🇺🇦

Word: говорити (hovoryty)
Pronunciation: ho-vo-RI-ty
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Ви говорите українською? (Do you speak Ukrainian?)
Tone Tip: Slight changes in intonation can reflect friendliness or formality.

64. Belarusian 🇧🇾

Word: гаварыць (havaryts’)
Pronunciation: ha-va-REETS
Meaning: To speak
Example: Ці вы гаворыце па-беларуску? (Do you speak Belarusian?)
Tone Tip: Used interchangeably in both rural and urban conversation.

65. Icelandic 🇮🇸

Word: tala
Pronunciation: TAH-lah
Meaning: To talk or speak
Example: Talar þú íslensku? (Do you speak Icelandic?)
Tone Tip: Quite neutral; formal versions exist but aren’t common in daily use.

66. Norwegian 🇳🇴

Word: snakke
Pronunciation: SNAK-uh
Meaning: To talk or speak
Example: Snakker du norsk? (Do you speak Norwegian?)
Tone Tip: Friendly and conversational; ideal for casual contexts.

67. Swedish 🇸🇪

Word: prata / tala
Pronunciation: PRAH-tah / TAH-lah
Meaning: Prata (casual), Tala (formal) – both mean “to speak”
Example: Talar du svenska? (Do you speak Swedish?)
Tone Tip: Use tala in professional settings and prata in casual chats.

68. Danish 🇩🇰

Word: tale / snakke
Pronunciation: TAY-leh / SNAK-eh
Meaning: To talk (tale = formal, snakke = informal)
Example: Taler du dansk? (Do you speak Danish?)
Tone Tip: Formality depends on verb choice. Snakke is friendlier.

69. Finnish 🇫🇮

Word: puhua
Pronunciation: POO-hoo-ah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Puhutko suomea? (Do you speak Finnish?)
Tone Tip: Tone remains fairly neutral regardless of context.

70. Mongolian 🇲🇳

Word: ярих (yarikh)
Pronunciation: YAH-rikh
Meaning: To speak or say
Example: Та монголоор ярьж чадах уу? (Can you speak Mongolian?)
Tone Tip: Tone is respectful, particularly with elders and in official conversations.

71. Hebrew 🇮🇱

Word: לדבר (ledaber)
Pronunciation: leh-dah-BER
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: אתה מדבר עברית? (Do you speak Hebrew?)
Tone Tip: Use respectful verb conjugations when addressing elders or strangers.

72. Persian (Farsi) 🇮🇷

Word: صحبت کردن (sohbat kardan)
Pronunciation: soh-BAHT kar-DAHN
Meaning: To speak or converse
Example: آیا فارسی صحبت می‌کنید؟ (Do you speak Farsi?)
Tone Tip: Often used with a warm and poetic tone, especially in cultural contexts.

73. Pashto 🇦🇫

Word: خبرې کول (khabaray kawul)
Pronunciation: khah-BAH-ray kah-WOOL
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: تاسې پښتو خبرې کوئ؟ (Do you speak Pashto?)
Tone Tip: Tone matters—be gentle when speaking formally or with elders.

74. Kurdish 🇹🇷🇮🇶

Word: axaftin
Pronunciation: ah-KHAHF-tin
Meaning: To talk or speak
Example: Tu bi Kurdî diaxivî? (Do you speak Kurdish?)
Tone Tip: Use a respectful tone when addressing older people.

75. Amharic 🇪🇹

Word: መናገር (menager)
Pronunciation: meh-NAH-ger
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: አማርኛ መናገር ትችላለህ? (Can you speak Amharic?)
Tone Tip: Use with a polite tone when speaking formally.

76. Zulu 🇿🇦

Word: ukukhuluma
Pronunciation: oo-koo-KHOO-loo-mah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Uyakhuluma isiZulu? (Do you speak Zulu?)
Tone Tip: Warm and expressive tone is appreciated in casual contexts.

77. Xhosa 🇿🇦

Word: ukuthetha
Pronunciation: oo-koo-TEH-tha
Meaning: To speak
Example: Uyathetha isiXhosa? (Do you speak Xhosa?)
Tone Tip: Use a respectful tone when addressing elders.

78. Haitian Creole 🇭🇹

Word: pale
Pronunciation: pah-LEH
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Eske ou pale Kreyòl? (Do you speak Creole?)
Tone Tip: Commonly used in informal conversation.

79. Maori 🇳🇿

Word: kōrero
Pronunciation: KOH-reh-roh
Meaning: To speak, say, or talk
Example: E kōrero ana koe i te reo Māori? (Do you speak the Māori language?)
Tone Tip: Cultural respect is important; tone should be humble.

80. Tagalog (Filipino) 🇵🇭

Word: magsalita
Pronunciation: mag-sah-LEE-tah
Meaning: To speak or talk
Example: Marunong ka bang magsalita ng Tagalog? (Can you speak Tagalog?)
Tone Tip: Use a friendly tone; warmth is culturally significant.

🌐 Why Learn “Speak” in Multiple Languages?

Learning the translation of “speak” in different languages can:

Enhance Multilingual Communication: Facilitates conversations with diverse populations.
Cultural Appreciation: Demonstrates respect and interest in other cultures.
Travel Convenience: Assists in navigating foreign countries more effectively.
Cognitive Benefits: Improves memory and problem-solving skills.

🏁 Final Thoughts

Learning how to say “speak” in different languages is more than just vocabulary—it’s about connecting with cultures 🌎, understanding nuances 🧠, and appreciating how tone, formality, and context vary from place to place.

Whether you’re traveling, chatting online, or learning a new language, these words will help you start conversations with confidence and respect 💬✨.