Dictionary
English - Russian

Speak

spik
Extremely common
300 - 400
300 - 400
The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000. This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.

говорить, разговаривать, выступать, обсуждать, заявлять, говорить на языке

Speak meanings in Russian

говорить

Example:
I can speak three languages.
Я могу говорить на трёх языках.
Please speak clearly.
Пожалуйста, говорите чётко.
Usage: informalContext: Casual conversations, everyday interactions.
Note: This is the most common meaning, used in both written and spoken contexts.

разговаривать

Example:
They like to speak about their travels.
Им нравится разговаривать о своих путешествиях.
We spoke for hours about the project.
Мы разговаривали часами о проекте.
Usage: informalContext: Used in conversations where two or more people are engaging in dialogue.
Note: This verb emphasizes the interaction aspect of speaking.

выступать

Example:
She will speak at the conference next week.
Она будет выступать на конференции на следующей неделе.
He spoke to the audience about his research.
Он выступал перед аудиторией о своём исследовании.
Usage: formalContext: Public speaking situations, presentations, lectures.
Note: This usage often implies a more formal context, such as giving a speech or a lecture.

обсуждать

Example:
Let's speak about our options.
Давайте обсудим наши варианты.
We need to speak about the changes in the plan.
Нам нужно обсудить изменения в плане.
Usage: formal/informalContext: Situations where topics are discussed or debated.
Note: This meaning focuses on the act of discussing rather than just talking.

заявлять

Example:
He spoke out against the injustice.
Он заявил против несправедливости.
She spoke in favor of the new policy.
Она заявила в поддержку новой политики.
Usage: formalContext: Used in legal or political contexts, often to express an opinion or stance.
Note: This usage conveys a more assertive or declarative form of speaking.

говорить на языке

Example:
He speaks fluent Spanish.
Он говорит по-испански свободно.
Do you speak English?
Вы говорите по-английски?
Usage: informalContext: Describing language proficiency.
Note: This expression is specifically used to indicate the ability to communicate in a particular language.

Speak's synonyms

talk

To communicate by speaking or to have a conversation.
Example: She loves to talk about her travels.
Note: Similar in meaning to 'speak,' but can imply a more informal or casual conversation.

converse

To engage in conversation or dialogue with someone.
Example: They sat down to converse about the project.
Note: More formal or sophisticated than 'speak,' often used in professional or academic settings.

communicate

To convey information or ideas to someone through speech, writing, gestures, etc.
Example: It's important to communicate clearly with your team.
Note: Broader term that includes speaking as one of the ways to convey information, can also refer to non-verbal forms of communication.

express

To convey or show one's thoughts, feelings, or ideas through words, actions, or other means.
Example: She expressed her opinions on the matter.
Note: Focuses more on conveying thoughts or emotions rather than simply speaking.

utter

To speak or pronounce something aloud.
Example: He uttered a few words of gratitude before leaving.
Note: More formal or literary term for speaking, often used in written or formal contexts.

Speak expressions, common phrases

Speak up

To speak louder or more clearly.
Example: Can you speak up? I can't hear you.
Note: The addition of 'up' changes the meaning to emphasize speaking more loudly or clearly.

Speak your mind

To express your thoughts or opinions openly and honestly.
Example: Feel free to speak your mind during the meeting.
Note: This idiom emphasizes expressing one's thoughts freely and openly.

Speak volumes

To convey a great deal of information or emotion without words.
Example: Her silence speaks volumes about her disappointment.
Note: This idiom implies that actions or expressions can communicate a lot without speaking.

Speak of the devil

Said when someone mentioned in the conversation appears unexpectedly.
Example: Oh, speak of the devil! We were just talking about you.
Note: This phrase is used when the person being talked about suddenly appears or is mentioned.

Speak for itself

To be clear or obvious without needing further explanation.
Example: The quality of their work speaks for itself.
Note: This phrase implies that something is so evident or well-done that it doesn't require additional clarification.

Speak out

To express one's opinions or beliefs openly and strongly.
Example: It's important to speak out against injustice.
Note: This phrase emphasizes voicing opinions or concerns boldly and publicly.

Speak one's language

To communicate in a way that is easily understood or relatable to someone.
Example: The new teacher speaks the students' language when it comes to technology.
Note: This phrase means to adjust one's communication style to match the preferences or understanding of the other person.

Speak in tongues

To speak in a language unknown to the speaker, often associated with spiritual or religious contexts.
Example: Some believe that speaking in tongues is a gift from the Holy Spirit.
Note: This phrase refers to speaking in a mystical or unknown language, usually within a religious or spiritual context.

Speak off the cuff

To speak without preparation or rehearsal; improvising.
Example: I didn't prepare a speech; I'll just speak off the cuff.
Note: This phrase indicates speaking spontaneously without prior planning or rehearsal.

Speak everyday (slang) expressions

Chit-chat

Casual conversation or small talk.
Example: Let's skip the chit-chat and get straight to the point.
Note: More informal and less serious than 'speak'.

Rumor has it

Indicates that the information being spoken is based on rumors or word of mouth.
Example: Rumor has it that she's planning to quit her job.
Note: Conveys a sense of uncertainty compared to stating facts when speaking.

Yammer

To talk incessantly or noisily.
Example: Stop yammering and let me concentrate.
Note: Implies a negative connotation of constant, annoying speech.

Jabber

To talk rapidly and excitedly, often in a foolish or nonsensical way.
Example: She always jabbers on the phone for hours.
Note: Emphasizes fast, sometimes senseless speech.

Spill the tea

To share gossip or reveal information that is potentially scandalous or secretive.
Example: Girl, spill the tea! What's the juicy gossip?
Note: A trendy slang term for revealing exciting or scandalous secrets.

Shoot the breeze

To engage in casual conversation or idle chatter.
Example: Let's just shoot the breeze and relax for a bit.
Note: Conveys a sense of leisurely and laid-back interaction.

Gossip

Casual or unconstrained conversation or reports about other people's private lives.
Example: I heard some juicy gossip about Sarah's new relationship.
Note: Often related to sharing personal or sensational information rather than general speaking.

Speak - Examples

She speaks three languages fluently.
Она свободно говорит на трех языках.
The teacher spoke about the importance of education.
Учитель говорил о важности образования.
They were speaking quietly in the corner.
Они тихо говорили в углу.

Speak grammar

Speak - Verb (Verb) / Verb, base form (Verb, base form)
Lemma: speak
Conjugations
Verb, past tense (Verb, past tense): spoke
Verb, past participle (Verb, past participle): spoken
Verb, gerund or present participle (Verb, gerund or present participle): speaking
Verb, 3rd person singular present (Verb, 3rd person singular present): speaks
Verb, base form (Verb, base form): speak
Verb, non-3rd person singular present (Verb, non-3rd person singular present): speak
Syllables, Separation and Stress
speak Contains 1 syllables: speak
Phonetic transcription: ˈspēk
speak , ˈspēk (The red syllable is stressed)

Speak - Importance and usage frequency

The word frequency and importance index indicates how often a word appears in a given language. The smaller the number, the more frequently the word is used. The most frequently used words typically range from about 1 to 4000.
speak: 300 - 400 (Extremely common).
This importance index helps you focus on the most useful words during your language learning process.
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