Speak to Meaning in English
expression
ˈspik/ /ˈtu/, /tə/, /tɪ
SPEEK-too, SPEEK-tuh, SPEEK-tih
spˈiːk/ /tˈuː
SPEEK-too
Definition
To talk with someone directly, or to address a person or group, often to discuss something specific or important.
Usage & Nuances
Used in both formal and informal settings. Common collocations: 'speak to a manager,' 'speak to you about something.' Can imply a more serious or official conversation than 'talk to.' Not used for giving public speeches (use 'speak at' or 'address').
Spanish: hablar con - dirigirse aPortuguese (BR): falar com - dirigir-se aPortuguese (PT): falar com - dirigir-se aChinese (Simplified): 和...说话 - 对...讲话Chinese (Traditional): 和...說話 - 對...講話Hindi: से बात करना - को संबोधित करनाArabic: يتحدث إلى - يخاطبBengali: কথা বলা - আলোচনা করাRussian: поговорить с - обратиться кJapanese: 話す - 話しかけるVietnamese: nói chuyện với - trao đổi vớiKorean: 말하다 - 이야기하다Turkish: konuşmak - hitap etmekUrdu: بات کرنا - گفتگو کرناIndonesian: berbicara kepada - bicara dengan
Example Sentences
Can I speak to you for a minute?
basic
She wants to speak to the manager.
basic
Please speak to your teacher if you have questions.
basic
I’ll speak to him about your suggestion.
natural
He rarely speaks to anyone at work; he's very quiet.
natural
That attitude doesn’t speak to the spirit of teamwork.
natural