What does parler in French mean?

What is the meaning of the word parler in French? The article explains the full meaning, pronunciation along with bilingual examples and instructions on how to use parler in French.

The word parler in French means speak, talk, speak, talk, speak, talk about, talk about, talk (to ) about , speak (to ) about, talk to, talk with, talk about, talk to about, speak to, ring a bell, ring a bell for, speak to each other, be spoken, speech, dialect, regional dialect, come to the fore, make itself known, speak to of, strictly speaking, it's just a figure of speech, it's just a manner of speaking, the sound of your own voice, love the sound of your own voice, hear of, hear about it, manner of speaking, way of speaking, get yourself talked about, settle the argument with guns, let the figures do the talking, outspokenness, frankness, directness, listen to your gut, listen to your heart, not want to hear about, talk about this and that, speak from the heart, speak clearly and audibly, say whatever comes into your head, talk to a brick wall, speak in a low voice, talk in a low voice, speak about in the past tense, speak of in the past tense, talk animatedly, speak animatedly, talk shop, talk fashion, discuss fashion, talk clothes, talk fashion, speak clearly, treat like dirt, treat like a dog, speak from experience, speak in a monotonous tone of voice, drone on, speak with a common voice, speak with one voice, talk to upfront, look in the eye and speak frankly, talk to yourself, mutter, mumble, chat about this and that, talk about this and that, make small talk, talk about anything and everything, speak through your nose, speak with all the facts, know what you are talking about, speak in public, talk loudly, speak loudly, straight talking, speak frankly, speak honestly, speak French, speak horrible French, speak French really badly, speak frankly, speak sincerely, speak in a loud voice, speak with your mouth full, speak more quietly, talk more quietly, speak pidgin + [name of language], speak with a northern French accent, speak with an accent from the north of France, talk for the sake of talking, talk for the sake of talking, talk about you know nothing about, speak softly, talk to yourself, speak too soon, not to mention, think twice before speaking, think twice before you speak, meet your match, Yeah, right!. To learn more, please see the details below.

Listen to pronunciation

Meaning of the word parler

speak

verbe intransitif (formuler des sons)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
À deux ans, mon neveu ne parle pas encore.
My nephew still isn't speaking at the age of two.

talk, speak

verbe intransitif (exprimer sa pensée)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Mon voisin est assez insupportable parce qu'il parle trop. Ma belle-sœur parle souvent pour ne rien dire.
My neighbour is somewhat unbearable, as he talks too much. // My sister-in-law often speaks without really saying anything.

talk

verbe intransitif (dévoiler [qch])

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")
Le prisonnier a fini par parler et livrer le nom de ses complices. Les policiers ont cuisiné le suspect pendant des heures mais n'ont pas réussi à le faire parler.
The prisoner finally talked and gave up the names of his accomplices. // The police grilled the suspect for hours, but didn't get him to talk.

speak

verbe transitif (s'exprimer dans une langue) (a language)

(transitive verb: Verb taking a direct object--for example, "Say something." "She found the cat.")
Mon beau-frère, qui est allemand, parle espagnol sans accent.
My brother-in-law, who is German, speaks Spanish without an accent.

talk about

verbe transitif indirect (discuter à propos de [qqn])

L'instituteur a parlé de ses élèves en difficulté avec son directeur.
The teacher talked to the head about his students who were struggling.

talk about

verbe transitif indirect (discuter d'un sujet)

Mon père peut parler de ses bateaux miniatures pendant des heures.
My father can talk about his miniature boats for hours.

talk (to ) about , speak (to ) about

verbe transitif indirect (partager)

Je parle souvent de mes problèmes à ma grand-mère.
ⓘCette phrase n'est pas une traduction de la phrase originale. He told her about his childhood.

talk to, talk with

verbe transitif indirect (s'entretenir avec [qqn])

J'aime parler avec Philippe : il a toujours quelque chose d'intéressant à raconter.
I like talking to Philip; he always has something interesting to say.

talk about

verbe transitif indirect (exprimer une intention)

Mon frère parle de quitter son travail. Ce film devait sortir en mai mais sa sortie a été repoussée : on parle maintenant de mi-juillet. Mais qui te parle de donner tout ton argent à l'association ? Il s'agit juste de faire un petit don.
My brother is talking about leaving his job. // Who's talking about you giving all your money to the charity? It's just a small donation.

talk to about

verbe transitif indirect (intervenir en faveur de [qqn])

Je parlerai de votre fils au directeur des ressources humaines.
I will talk to the HR director about your son.

speak to

verbe transitif indirect (inspirer, être évocateur de [qch]) (figurative)

Ce genre de tableau ne parle pas beaucoup à mes jeunes élèves. Moi, je ne suis pas très forte en musique classique, mais si tu me dis « Beatles, Led Zep... », là, ça me parle tout de suite plus !
I don't know much about classical music, but if you said to me "The Beatles, Led Zep ... " that's more my thing right there!

ring a bell, ring a bell for

verbe transitif indirect (rappeler) (figurative, informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Une fête où mon cousin aurait vomi partout ? Non, ça ne me parle pas du tout. Tu es sûre que j'y étais ?
A party where my cousin threw up everywhere? No, that doesn't ring a bell; are you sure I was there?

speak to each other

verbe pronominal (communiquer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mes colocataires ne se parlent jamais.
My housemates never speak to each other.

be spoken

verbe pronominal (langue : être utilisée)

Le français se parle dans moins en moins de pays. On dit souvent que l'italien se parle beaucoup avec les mains.
French is spoken in fewer and fewer countries. // They often say that Italian is mostly spoken with the hands.

speech

nom masculin (personne : manière de s'exprimer)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Ce parler est typique de l'est de la France.
This way of speaking is typical of eastern France.

dialect, regional dialect

nom masculin (dialecte d'une région)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Beaucoup de parlers sont menacés de disparition.
A lot of dialects are at risk of dying out.

come to the fore, make itself known

verbe intransitif (littéraire (s'exprimer)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Sa générosité a parlé une fois de plus.
His generosity came to the fore again.

speak to of

verbe transitif indirect (évoquer [qch], [qqn]) (figurative)

Tout, ici, nous parlait des jours heureux.
Everything here spoke to us of happy times.

strictly speaking

locution adverbiale (stricto sensu)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")

it's just a figure of speech, it's just a manner of speaking

(ce n'est pas très exact)

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
J'ai promis, j'ai promis, mais c'était une façon de parler. // Sarah est venue manger chez nous. Enfin, « manger », c'est une façon de parler parce qu'elle n'a presque pas touché à son assiette.
Sarah came to eat at our place. Well, if you can call it eating, as she barely touched her plate of food.

the sound of your own voice

(parler sans écouter les autres)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

love the sound of your own voice

(faire des discours inutilement ampoulés)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

hear of

(connaître par des informations)

As-tu entendu parler de ce chanteur ? // – Tu sais qu'il se pourrait que le directeur démissionne ? – Ah oui, j'en ai entendu parler.
"Do you know the manager might be resigning?" "Oh, yes. I heard that."

hear about it

(subir les commentaires des gens) (informal)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Si je foire le projet après avoir tant insisté pour le diriger, je vais en entendre parler !
If I screw up the project after insisting so badly on leading it, I'll never hear the end of it!

manner of speaking, way of speaking

locution adverbiale (qui ne doit pas être mal interprété)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)

get yourself talked about

locution verbale (être un sujet de discussion)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

settle the argument with guns

locution verbale (utiliser des armes à feu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

let the figures do the talking

locution verbale (exploiter des chiffres) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

outspokenness, frankness, directness

nom masculin (franchise de parole)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Le franc-parler de ce ministre ne plaît pas à tous ses confrères.

listen to your gut

locution verbale (figuré (dire ce que l'on ressent) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Pour une fois, il a dit ce qu'il pensait, il a laissé parler ses tripes.

listen to your heart

locution verbale (se montrer généreux)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

not want to hear about

locution verbale (refuser)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Malheureusement, mes parents ne veulent pas entendre parler de chien.

talk about this and that

locution verbale (parler avec interruption)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Le directeur resta flou, parlant à bâtons rompus du projet.

speak from the heart

locution verbale (parler franchement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ma sœur me parla à cœur ouvert de sa situation.

speak clearly and audibly

locution verbale (parler clairement)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

say whatever comes into your head

locution verbale (parler à mauvais escient)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Il parle à tort et à travers et met tout le monde mal à l'aise.

talk to a brick wall

locution verbale (figuré (parler avec [qqn] d'obtus) (figurative)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak in a low voice, talk in a low voice

locution verbale (parler peu fort)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Ils parlèrent à voix basse pour ne pas se faire entendre.
They spoke in low voices so as not to be heard.

speak about in the past tense, speak of in the past tense

locution verbale (parler de [qch] considéré comme révolu)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
J'ai compris que le mari de ma voisine était mort quand j'ai entendu cette dernière parler de lui au passé.

talk animatedly, speak animatedly

locution verbale (s'exprimer de vive voix)

Ils parlèrent avec animation de leurs vacances exotiques.

talk shop

locution verbale (parler entre professionnels)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

talk fashion, discuss fashion

locution verbale (familier (parler de vêtements)

Ma sœur qui est styliste parle tout le temps chiffon.

talk clothes, talk fashion

locution verbale (parler de vêtements, de mode)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

speak clearly

locution verbale (parler de façon compréhensible)

treat like dirt, treat like a dog

(parler sans égard pour [qqn])

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak from experience

locution verbale (parler en connaisseur)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak in a monotonous tone of voice, drone on

locution verbale (parler sans intonation)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak with a common voice, speak with one voice

locution verbale (être unanime)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

talk to upfront, look in the eye and speak frankly

locution verbale (parler d'homme à homme)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

talk to yourself

locution verbale (parler sans être écouté)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

mutter, mumble

locution verbale (figuré (murmurer discrètement)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

chat about this and that, talk about this and that

locution verbale (évoquer différents sujets)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
On a parlé de choses et d'autres, rien en particulier.

make small talk

locution verbale (figuré (parler de choses banales)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

talk about anything and everything

locution verbale (figuré (parler de choses banales)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak through your nose

locution verbale (parler en nasillant)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

speak with all the facts, know what you are talking about

locution verbale (parler comme [qqn] d'expérimenté)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak in public

locution verbale (parler devant un auditoire)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

talk loudly, speak loudly

locution verbale (parler à haute voix)

straight talking

nom masculin (liberté de parole)

(noun: Refers to person, place, thing, quality, etc.)
Cette journaliste est réputée pour son parler franc.

speak frankly, speak honestly

locution verbale (parler librement, franchement)

Elle parla franc de la crise actuelle.

speak French

locution verbale (figuré (parler de façon compréhensible)

Tu pourrais parler français s'il te plaît ? Ton jargon est incompréhensible.

speak horrible French, speak French really badly

locution verbale (familier (parler avec un fort accent étranger)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak frankly, speak sincerely

locution verbale (parler sans retenue)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

speak in a loud voice

locution verbale (parler fort)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mon frère parle haut, c'est son habitude.

speak with your mouth full

locution verbale (parler avec [qch] dans la bouche)

speak more quietly, talk more quietly

locution verbale (baisser le volume de sa voix)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Mais parle mois fort ; tu vas réveiller les enfants !

speak pidgin + [name of language]

locution verbale (maltraiter la grammaire)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

speak with a northern French accent, speak with an accent from the north of France

locution verbale (France (parler avec un accent du Nord)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

talk for the sake of talking

locution verbale (parler de choses très banales)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

talk for the sake of talking

locution verbale (dire des choses vides de sens)

(intransitive verb: Verb not taking a direct object--for example, "She jokes." "He has arrived.")

talk about you know nothing about

locution verbale (parler en méconnaissance de cause)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak softly

locution verbale (parler à voix basse)

Ils parlèrent tout bas pour ne pas réveiller les enfants.

talk to yourself

locution verbale (réfléchir à haute voix)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

speak too soon

locution verbale (figuré (se tromper dans ses prédictions)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
- L'Allemand va gagner la course, c'est sûr ! - Tu as parlé trop vite : en fait, il ne participera même pas à la course parce qu'il s'est blessé à la cheville.

not to mention

(sans oublier [qqn/qch])

(expression: Prepositional phrase, adverbial phrase, or other phrase or expression--for example, "behind the times," "on your own.")
Je déteste cette région : le temps est épouvantable, la nourriture, horrible. Sans parler des gens antipathiques.

think twice before speaking, think twice before you speak

locution verbale (familier (réfléchir avant de parler)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")

meet your match

locution verbale (rencontrer une forte opposition)

(verbal expression: Phrase with special meaning functioning as verb--for example, "put their heads together," "come to an end.")
Cet homme politique trouvait que tous les journalistes étaient mous et inintéressants : avec celui-ci, il a trouvé à qui parler !
He found all journalists flaccid and uninteresting, but with this one he had met his match!

Yeah, right!

(Je n'y crois pas du tout) (informal)

(interjection: Exclamation--for example, "Oh no!" "Wow!")
– Marc a dit qu'il travaillerait plus. – Tu parles ! Le connaissant, il va peut-être le faire une journée, tout au plus.

Let's learn French

So now that you know more about the meaning of parler in French, you can learn how to use them through selected examples and how to read them. And remember to learn the related words that we suggest. Our website is constantly updating with new words and new examples so you can look up the meanings of other words you don't know in French.

Do you know about French

French (le français) is a Romance language. Like Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish, it comes from popular Latin, once used in the Roman Empire. A French-speaking person or country can be called a "Francophone". French is the official language in 29 countries. French is the fourth most spoken native language in the European Union. French ranks third in the EU, after English and German, and is the second most widely taught language after English. The majority of the world's French-speaking population lives in Africa, with about 141 million Africans from 34 countries and territories who can speak French as a first or second language. French is the second most widely spoken language in Canada, after English, and both are official languages at the federal level. It is the first language of 9.5 million people or 29% and the second language of 2.07 million people or 6% of the entire population of Canada. In contrast to other continents, French has no popularity in Asia. Currently, no country in Asia recognizes French as an official language.